she headed toward the gate with a square cake pan in one hand . i was having trouble swallowing around the huge dry lump that had suddenly formed in my throat . that would certainly explain the look on his face . the sound of beating wings filled my ears . i swear i will keep my mouth shut ! the man was watching her with a mixture of shock and amusement . `` because , at the lab you acted like you were overwhelmed . too many for someone that young ... or old . 