Derek Landy, Playing with Fire

"We're not retreating, we're advancing in reverse.' --Skulduggery Pleasant"

"An untied shoelace can be dangerous,' he said.'I could have tripped.'She stared at him. A moment dragged by.'I'm joking,' he said at last.She relaxed. 'Really?''Absolutely. I would never have tripped. I'm far too graceful."