[she glanced at the books, were they arranged, or had she dropped them...?]

Sss, sss, sss! It's the fate of those of us who lurk in the shadows to watch out for stalkers. Every journalist worth their salt gets followed at some time or another, y'know, for getting their hands on a scoop some would prefer be kept quiet. The smarter ones anticipate this and prepare themselves.

[she grinned inwardly, coughing when that speech left her winded again]

... And I brought you a house-warming gift!