Harley peered curiously at Crane. No one ever reacted like that, no—and really, was it that surprising that Mistah J was a little rough with what belonged to him? For an intelligent man, Professah Crane was being awful silly!

“You all right there, Professah? Ya look a little pale! Kinda like one of Mistah J’s fish from waaaaay back when, only you’re not smilin’!” Harley paused, her expression growing serious. “Ya know, you should smile more! It’s good for your health—that’s what Mistah J always says! And, I think Red’s mad at me! Or, maybe she’s workin’ on somethin’ big…ahhh, I miss her!”

Harley huffed, slumping back in her seat before her eyes flickered to Crane again. “Nope, nuh-uh, no way am I doing anything without my Puddin’s approval! And I’d never double cross him, but—last time I did somethin’ of his without his permission—well, I found myself fallin’ out a window!”

She giggled, pulling her knees to her chest again and rocking back. Her pigtails bounced in time with her laughs, and nothing about her playful manner—even recounting something like that—wasn’t genuine. “Oh, but dontcha go thinkin’ badly about my Puddin’! It was my fault Mistah J got mad—I didn’t get the joke!”