"You know the threat, Bill," she noted softly. "It's after you. I don't know this critter? But I know villains. You hurt it, you personally, something no one else ever managed. That means revenge and taking things slow the second round."

That said though, well, she was taking a step back "pale and missing a slipper. Also missing her pearls and purse, something she'd never be without. I always have a plan, Bill. Just because you never wanted to speak of it doesn't mean I didn't plan." She could and would evac everyone.

"Here's the test," she dropped, sweeping a leg out to trip the old lady, only standing again when she heard the enraged hissing.