Qebhet smiled and allowed the little racer to wind about her arm, giving its scales a gentle stroke. "I can look after them, if you like. I'm fond of snakes." She led Hecate out of the refrigerated space, through the prep room and down a corridor to the break room, where her tea now sat tepid and undrinkable. Never mind. She pulled two clean mugs from the drainer and stuck one under the coffeemaker. While the machine whirred away, she rummaged in the cupboard, emerging with a box of Girl Scout cookies, which she set on the table. "There's soup in the fridge, too, if you'd like something more substantial."