Killers of a Certain Age

The narrative returns to the Sphinxes during their training period. Natalie has developed a talent for munitions and weaponry, Mary Alice has become a poison expert, and Helen is the best shot of the four. Billie is skilled in all areas but exceptional in none, frustrating Constance with her lack of effort. She summons Billie to a private meeting, where she suggests secretarial school might be a better fit. Billie becomes enraged when Constance suggests she lacks industry and heart and should not have been recruited. Constance returns to her love of classical allusions, showing Billie a painting of the Greek goddess of dawn, Astraea, who was so devoted to justice she left humanity when they disappointed her. Constance informs Billie that Astraea has frequently been depicted by poets and artists. She asks Billie if she will follow the task the goddess has set, epitomized by the sword she left on earth.

The next day, Billie admits she struggles with weapons that can be “taken away from me,” so Constance arranges for hand-to-hand combat training (129). At first, the combat instructor leaves her covered in bruises from repeated throws, but she finally bests him after a month of work.