In "Purity in Death" by J.D. Robb, there's a playful exchange between two characters about a previous encounter that resulted in one of them being carried out unconscious. The banter highlights a mix of tension and camaraderie, where one character is humorously questioning if the other is provoking Roarke, hinting at past altercations.

The dialogue reflects a light-hearted yet competitive relationship, as the unconscious character prefers to think of their experience as merely regaining strength rather than defeat. This dynamic enhances the story's themes of friendship and resilience amidst adversity.