it had been a while since i 'd had an intense session of `` girl talk '' , but it was ... nice . we can help you with that , the man said . it might have come out of a cornflakes packet . a figure swooped down onto the stage , its arms out to its sides , a long red cloak floating behind it like a pair of wings . that was your last chance , baby . but that just was n't luke 's way . she paused with her hand on the back door . 