I felt like an out-and-out criminal now. The would be killer was tied to a chair in the kitchen. That was a cliche, but it was proving effective so far.

“So, this is one of them?

Thea sighed. “I think he’s part of a rather crazy cult.”

“So.” I turned to him. “You think I’m going to cause the end of the world.”

“I know you are.” He actually spat at me.

I laughed. “I’m not going to end the world. I’m certainly not going to do so casually, by accident, or just by breathing.”

“Shows what you know.”

Thea back handed him across the face. “Just tell us who you work for. I might even accept your parole, if you promise not to touch Jane again.”

“I can’t give that promise.”

What the heck were we going to do with him? I had no doubt but that Thea would kill him if she thought she could get away with it. I moved over to the window, letting her interrogate while I watched for his buddies, whom I was sure would show up sooner or later. That would seem to be the way of things. So, I watched the window.

Then it occurred to me. The horn. I carefully unwrapped it from my luggage. Thea glanced over.

“Otter said it would be useful. Let’s use it.”

The guy’s eyes widened.

“Oh no. You’re going to drink, and then you’re going to tell us the truth.”

“I can’t. If I tell you, I’ll make it happen. If you know…please…you have to believe me.” He was panicking. “Please.”

Then his bonds slipped. Thea had come over to me, and he ran for the window. As he did so, two shots echoed from somewhere outside. Both hit home and he flew backwards onto the bed.

Thea swore. “Grab your stuff. We’re getting out of here.”

I wasn’t about to argue. She didn’t have a gun. I didn’t have any ammo…maybe one in the chamber at this point. I hit the floor, moving low towards the door, wondering if they’d hit their own guy deliberately or accidentally. Thea was also moving, staying between me and them. I didn’t want her shot for me. Another shot went off, and she grunted, but kept moving, pushing me behind a car. I wasn’t sure where the shooting was coming from. If I could just get close to them, I could kick their butts. As it was, all I could do was crouch behind the car and hope they ran out of ammo.