he pulled a pouch from his belt filled with short strands of string . just at the moment , to think was to act . the woman reached for the boy . he sighed and let his open eye drift shut . it kept alec 's head clear , which he appreciated . it wo n't take much to bring it down . '' `` no , i have to work late , '' i said . she looked familiar and exotic at the same time and if he didnt know better , hed swear her eyes were glowing . 