The kitchen drew her attention, and she moved toward the counter with careful, deliberate steps. A wooden knife block held six knives of varying sizes, their handles worn smooth from use. She pulled out the largest, an eight-inch chef's knife, the blade sliding free with a whisper of steel against wood. Testing its weight and balance, she felt the familiar heft settle into her palm. Sharp. Well-maintained. The edge caught the dim light, clean and deadly.
A weapon. Close enough to reach.
