“Get the gun. Breathe slow. Up against the walls. Stay away from the windows. You open the front door, but listen to me, Henley, only a crack, with the chain still on, and you announce your intentions. You will shoot. Do you understand me? You announce your intentions and you…”
Too wired to listen, Henley ended the call. With his back against the wall, he carefully stepped closer to the front door, where Ciccio was now in a frenzy, baring his teeth, his tail tucked in between his legs.
In that moment, Henley realized that his mind was clear. His senses, sharp. He was not afraid. He was curious and ready for anything. He put his hand over Ciccio’s head. “Calm down, boy,” he said, and then, weapon drawn, slowly slid the lock. “I’m warning you,” he said through the door, to whomever was out
