That was the way to freeze this creature, as abruptly as if he'd tossed a bucket of icy water over her. Just when it seemed that nothing would too. Finally, her stark white face said one thing. She wasn't just afraid. She was petrified. He had this.

"Sir." Her face contorted, her eyes standing out like currants in a bun.Now he just might get a little polite compliance from her.

"What?"

"Please, God, I know you're angry."

"On the contrary, now I've gone ...