Farradyne recovered first, hauling himself erect just in time to let the other man peer down the barrel of the gun. "Hold it, friend," he snapped.
The enemy, about to kick himself forward, took a firm hold on the handrail behind him and retracted his feet from against the wall.
"You can't get away with it, Farradyne."
"I can try, Brenner. So happy to meet you again."
Warily he listened. There were no other sounds along the corridor, only the one he expected, and soon the little flag on the lock went in and the door opened. Carolyn Niles came out in pajamas and coat, her eyes blinking slightly. "What's the—" Then she gasped. "Charles!"
"Howdedo. Any more hiding in the dark, Carolyn?"
"How did you get here?"
"I walked," he said flatly. He turned to Brenner. "You stay there, schoolmaster. I'm scared to death and a bit touchy."
Brenner shook his head. "I know you're scared. I'm scared, too. Scared to move."
"Relax—but do it slowly. Now turn around and make it hand over hand toward the salon. You follow the gentleman," he said to Carolyn.