The mamba hissed and raised its head even higher.
Lara slowly, ever so slowly, began crouching down. The snake’s head lowered as it kept its eyes level with hers. When she felt she could reach her boot without any awkward motions, she moved her right hand down and slowly, gently pulled out the Scalpel of Isis.
She straightened up, and again the mamba raised its head. The snake was no more than two feet from her, within easy striking distance.
But I’m within easy striking distance of you, too, she thought.
She reached her left hand out very slowly. The snake watched it, unblinking. There was a box of tissues on the sink. Ever so carefully she pulled one out of the box and slowly moved it toward the mamba until it hissed again.