Joan suddenly went, "Awk."
Landovitch, under the impression that she was choking, thumped her on the back.
"For God's sake!" said Joan. "Stop it before you jar my teeth loose."
"Yeah! Stop it," Jaro said.
Landovitch desisted.
"I thought," said Joan; "that Albert Peet's men were trying to kill us?"
"They are," said Jaro.
Joan started back toward the steps. "Then I'm going to lock myself in your room," she said.
Jaro grabbed her arm.
Landovitch said, "Well take care of Peet's men."