Primary text: Astrid smiles at her. “It’s not possible for you to look like hell. Are you planning to go sell hot dogs today?” “I usually wait until afternoon. Not too many people want hot dogs for breakfast.” “Good. We can talk.” She looks away and takes a deep breath, then lets it out. “It’s no accident I showed up when I did yesterday.” She looks straight at Nofret. “I’ve been following you for the last few days.” “What the hell?” Nofret stands up and backs away. “It’s not what you’re thinking.” “You can’t possibly know what I’m thinking,” says Nofret. “You’re thinking I’m some kind of creepy stalker.” “Okay, that is what I’m thinking.” Nofret positions herself by the kitchen door, ready to run if necessary. She mentally scolds herself. This is what she gets for letting a stranger into her home. Astrid takes a breath. “It’s more accurate to say I’ve been following those things that attacked you. They led me to you. I did a little nosing around and found out who you are. You and me are the same.” Nofret folds her arms across her chest. “We are not the same.” “But we are,” says Astrid. “You are the daughter of Sekhmet.” “Who?” “The Egyptian goddess of war, destruction and plague. Also, somewhat ironically, of protection and healing.” Okay. This woman is a nut job. Nofret reaches for the phone in her pocket. Astrid continues. “You’re not crazy.” Nofret agrees. She is definitely not the crazy one here. “Your father’s death wasn’t your fault. Not because you didn’t cause the accident. You might have. But even if you did, it still wasn’t your fault because you were a child with powers you didn’t know how to control and a parent who wasn’t up to the job of teaching you. Frankly, I’m surprised this kind of thing doesn’t happen more often.” Nofret hesitates. Who does one call in this situation? Astrid might be a little off her rocker, but she isn’t threatening. She wishes she had said she needed to work this morning. Maybe she can come up with another excuse to get her out.

Done!