Okay, the Candidate said, whos back of it? This is getting a little beyond my depth, conceded Devine. Right. No. Sally wanted to know everything that Arch had said about him. It really wasnt very much. No, no, Mason said. Where was he when he was shot? That was the evening of the third? Whats this asshole doin here, Henry? Thats scary, she said. Stone and Dino ran toward the rear door and put their shoulders against it, bruising their shoulders. From outside, there was the sound of a good-sized motorcycle cranking up. As he walked off he had a brand-new problem. And that problem was Helen Speers. So maybe hes about to make his move. She was asking about some play or other. Whether Id seen it. He picked up the shotgun, and it felt light; it occurred to him that he had not loaded it. He opened the box of shells and shoved a handful into the weapon, but he didnt rack the slide. Go into your bathroom and sit in the tub, he said. “Dont turn on any lights. She got out of bed and went into the bathroom. He went to the door and put his ear against it. Nothing. He racked the slide, as a warning to whoever might be on the other side of the door, then he slowly turned the knob and flung open the door, shotgun at the ready, safety off. Wait a minute... wait! Lutts called in a panic. What are you doing, Mr. Mason? Where are you going? You have mentioned that the wound was caused by a .38 caliber bullet? ·.