A radio behind the desk burst with static. “We’re all clear!” Baker’s voice said.

Ed shouldered the weapon put it behind the desk. “Sorry to scare you,” he apologized earnestly as the children joined them, followed by their shaken mother and a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to Ed. “Both me and my daughter Lindsay.”

Baker entered the store. “Ms. Pacer, Mr. Rideout is okay,” he said, and turned to the Howards. “You’re all free to go.”

“Thank God,” Toni said.

SCENE 8

INDEX, PREVIOUS, NEXT