Across the room, a door opened. A slim young girl, proud-faced and beautiful and poised, stood framed within the entry.
On the couch, the maid gave a little shriek. "Princess Ariadne!" Frantically, she tried to writhe free of Theseus.
He clutched at her as she spun erect. Cloth ripped as her whole skirt tore away, leaving her standing well-nigh naked.
The maid's face flamed. Whirling, she darted for the grill-masked doorway where Burke stood hiding.
It took him off balance; it was that unexpected. Before he could even get clear, jump back, she dodged behind the grating; crashed into him full-tilt.
Burke reeled back against the door-frame.
The maid screamed.
Like an echo, Theseus tore away the screening grillwork.
After that, for Burke, there was no choice. Instinctively, he knew that no matter what the cost, he must gain command of the situation.
Snatching the Smith & Wesson from his waistband, he leveled it at Theseus. "Stand back, you!"