The approaching headlights came to an abrupt stop. Liz was so frightened she didn't even notice this, until she felt strong hands on her shoulders, helping her up.
"Are you all right, Miss?"
"Where am I?" Liz blurted. She was shaking so hard she could hardly stand.
"You're in front of the newspaper building." The voice was that of a young man. "You fell right in front of my car. I almost ran over you."
"Oh!" Liz took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down. She glanced at the clock on top of the building and saw that five minutes had passed. Relief washed over her. "I'm still alive!"
"You almost weren't." The young man glanced down at her high heels. "Not the best walking gear for stepping off sidewalks backwards in."
"I was looking at the clock," Liz explained. "You see - this creepy guy told me I would die today at 6:05."
"Why didn't you alert the police?"
"He said he wasn't threatening me; just delivering a message." Calmer now, Liz turned to face her rescuer. "I was sure scared it was really gonna happen!"
The young man gave her a brief hug. "Come on, let me buy you a drink. You look like you could use one."
"Could I ever!"
As he led her away, she turned to glance at the clock once more.