"Make up your mind!" Moustafa snapped. The pistol steadied on a line with Rick's head.
"Give it to him," Scotty said. "He means it."
There were shots from outside again. Moustafa blazed, "Hurry! Youssef's men must be loose. I count three and shoot! One, two...."
"Hold it," Rick said hurriedly. "It's under the amplifier."
He walked to the amplifier and bent, fumbling with the door latch. If he could shield his motions, he could grab the cat, turn, and throw. He might be lucky ...
"Just hand him the cat," Scotty said quickly.
Rick seethed inside, but he knew Scotty was right. The Egyptian cat wasn't worth his life, no matter what it contained. He opened the door and took the cat out. Then he turned slowly and held it out to Moustafa.
"You're being wise," Moustafa said. His eyes gleamed. He reached for the cat. Rick handed it to him.
"Drop!" a voice yelled. Rick and Scotty dove to the floor on the instant. Moustafa whirled, gun lifted to shoot, and saw no one.
"The building is surrounded by police officers," the voice said. "Just drop your gun." The voice came from outside the doorway, and it belonged to Ismail ben Adhem.