Skulduggery glanced at her, a little surprised. He hadn't been paying close attention to his own words, busy planning out the next few hours instead. He'd naturally assumed that his explanation was as brilliant as his explanations always were. "Ah, yes." He paused, and cocked his head. "A response to your earlier nickname, I believe. It's nice to meet you, Rita. I'm Skulduggery Pleasant."

He pointed to the ignored pile of books on the table. "Can I assume you won't be needing the ramblings of a crazy man anymore? I don't mind putting them back for you." After a moment, he added, "because you are very short." His face remained unchanged, but the amusement in his tone was obvious - Skulduggery was really only teasing her now.