[ WP ] After a bizarrely grueling interview process , you 've finally been hired at the local shop ... on your first day you find out the real reason for the screening .

`` So, miss Ellis,'' the interviewer said coolly, glaring at me from across the table. `` In your CV it says you have five years experience in cybersecurity. Can you prove your claim?'' 
 
 I gaped at the man. It was already profoundly humiliating applying for a job as a cashier in a bookshop, and this guy intended to grill me on my credentials? 
 
 `` Of course. Call my references, they'll tell you all about my expertise,'' I said finally, struggling not to sound insulted. 
 
 `` Name all the Roman gods, please. Alphabetically,'' he went on, not missing a beat or changing his tone. 
 
 This time, I was sure I'd misheard him. `` What did you say?'' 
 
 `` I was n't aware you suffered from hearing loss,'' he sneered at me. `` Roman gods. Alphabetically. Go.'' 
 
 `` That's completely ridiculous,'' I spluttered. The man, though dressed in a sharply tailored suit and seemingly normal, was clearly batshit insane. 
 
 `` Hardly,'' he said, tapping at my CV with a manicured finger. `` It says you have an interest in reading. Logically, this should be no problem for you.'' 
 
 I glared at him, and rattled off the Roman gods. My obsession with mythology was n't something I'd thought would ever come in handy, and it was satisfying watching the smug smile fade from his face. 
 
 He muttered to himself as he made careful notes on a piece of paper in front of him. 
 
 `` Look, what's going on?'' I said, when the silence became uncomfortable. `` This is a cashier job in quite a small bookshop, no offence. I assure you, nobody will test my knowledge of forgotten gods.'' 
 
 That got a rise from him. His head snapped up, and I saw his hands begin to tremble. 
 
 `` Forgotten?'' he hissed. `` How dare you!'' 
 
 `` *Right*,'' I said, finally understanding what was going on. The man really was a nutjob. `` Well, this has been very interesting. I think I'll be going now.'' 
 
 `` Sit down!'' he snarled, then stopped when a rich voice spoke behind him. 
 
 I stared at the woman who had appeared in the doorway. She had thick, curly black hair that reached her waist. Her voice made me forget all about the nutjob in the chair across from me. She was impossibly, mind-numbingly beautiful. 
 
 `` Do n't scare away my new bodyguard,'' she said sweetly, and walked languidly to stand beside the table. She offered me her hand. Her skin had a faint, luminous sheen to it. 
 
 `` My name is Minerva,'' she said, taking my limp hand and giving it a faint squeeze. 
 
 `` I'm sorry about Honos. He can be... zealous. I have some business to attend to on this plane, and need to be inconspicuous. This dwelling will serve the purpose very well, and I admit the books provide me with some comfort. I need one human guardian for my new home, who can converse convincingly with any - ah, customers. I confess Honos here will do most of the actual guarding, but it should be a stimulating experience for one such as you. Will you consent?''
