"I- well, it is," she replied, slightly flustered (were criminals supposed to be so PC?) "And I am," this was announced with obvious pride now that she'd figured out the woman was actually acknowledging what Cassie was trying to be.
"But you didn't answer my question," Cassie added, ignoring the fact that she'd done the same thing herself only moments before. This time, she rephrased, "What are you doing here?" The thought had crossed her mind that the woman wasn't alone. Where were all those other people she'd gone in with? If anyone came outside Cassie would be sorely outnumbered. Now she really wished she hadn't insisted she and Billy split up, she could use some help if things turned bad.