"Him, removing his hand from my arm," Valdis didn't even glance at the newcomer, staring down the officer, who slowly, but reluctantly, removed his hand.

"See?" she asked, "That wasn't hard, was it?"

The officer, glared, but apparently decided that it wasn't worth a fight when there were more important matters to deal with. He gathered up the bag and went to direct the other officers and responders. Valdis supposed she should at least check if there was anyone in the building. The flames might have been bright on the life plane, but their light couldn't drown out the light of souls.

Valdis scanned the building, but it seemed empty.

"I could have handled that myself, you know."