I was thinking the same. That she is probably a key or something for Laura. I find it hard to really get into either of the second and third tier stories, though the second especially. The third has the trappings of world building, which draws me in a little, as appalling as the world seems to be, and the first story has a good sense of mystery right now. I want to know where that one goes! (Shoot, I may have to read the entire thing *G* I found a preview of the first two chapters on google books for free.)