Katherine was shaking her head in despair and mouthing the words, What were you thinking? The others just looked furious. “Caught listening at doors,” Prickett muttered darkly. “Eavesdropping.” “No,” Jonah said, thinking hard. “I wasn’t. I—” He decided to buy some time—and a little dignity—by trying to stand up. But Prickett quickly grabbed Jonah’s mop and pressed the handle against Jonah’s chest, pinning him to the ground. “He lies,” Prickett accused. “No, really,” Jonah said, wishing he could come up with a good lie. The mop dripping against his chest gave him an idea. “I was just leaning against the door, trying to get the best angle to—er—swab the corners of the deck. I wasn’t eavesdropping at all! Didn’t hear a thing!” It was so frustrating telling a lie with John Hudson’s voice. It came out sounding squeaky and untrustworthy. Not that Jonah’s real voice would have worked any better. “We must make an example of him,” Prickett said.
