“They don't understand it. They're not old enough to know the first instinct of irritation should be avoided in order to keep an open mind.”

“It was clear that in a past life the detective had been a phone booth beside an empty highway.”

“Tess realized one of the great modern dating sadnesses: everyone is so used to the comforting glow of the computer screen that no one can go so far as to say "good morning" in public without being liquored up.”

“They don't understand it. They're not old enough to know the first instinct of irritation should be avoided in order to keep an open mind.”