that instinct saved his life as something swung through the air above his head . and what does a research assistant do ? he grabbed hold of her other arm , holding her tight before him as he shook her slightly . `` ash did n't know or he would have . '' we met halfway across the small room . you may quite possibly be right . to my surprise , i felt hands at my waist . but he was also a short man with a very high collar . 