“Once we decided he hadn’t been hit,” Clarice said, “we debated whether the wall would protect us from further gunfire and if we should take a chance and see if the shooter was still out there.”

“I woke up, and they were debating over my body about lifting my head over the top of the wall to see if the shooter took it off!” Sarcha bellowed.

Gregoire lounged, hands in his pockets. “Woke you up, didn’t it, mate?”

“Self-preservation!” Sarcha calmed. “My God, we were shot at!”

“No, we were shot at.” Rune subsided in a chair, put her elbows on her knees and breathed as if she couldn’t get enough oxygen.

Elle hustled over and rubbed Rune’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry, Rune. Your poor face.” Clarice seemed honestly sorry for her, because the possibility of scars could be disaster in her profession.

Adam brought them back to the moment at hand. “Did you look over the wall?”

“I did,” Clarice answered. “The shooter was gone without a trace.”

Adam pulled out his phone and made a call.

The restaurant grew hushed.

“Dave, it’s Adam. You’re on your way to Gothic? Watch for oncoming cars. We’ve got a description of the sniper—male, tanned, well-built, prime of life. White shirt, brown jacket, wide-brimmed hat. Since it seems unlikely he’s local or he’s going to stick around, and there’s no way out except on the highway, he should have to pass you. I know. I know I should have told you before.” Adam raised his voice. “I didn’t know anyone had seen him!” He looked at Clarice. “You didn’t see a vehicle?”

She shook her head no.

Adam spoke into the phone again. “We’ve taken shelter in the Live Oak Restaurant. Okay, see you in a few minutes.” To the assembly, he said, “Sheriff and ambulance will be here soon.”

The group released a collective sigh of relief.

In a low voice, Clarice said, “I’m worried. Faith went for a walk.”

“Who’s Faith?” Elle asked.

“My acting coach. Faith Moore. She’s famous in the business, and she’s out there somewhere.” Clarice cupped her forehead in her hand, then self-consciously removed it, flexed it. “Is there anything we can do to find her?”

“No one is going out. Until the area is secured, it’s dangerous.” There was no doubt that Adam was in charge. “I’m sure she took refuge somewhere.”

The restaurant door rattled. A woman with cropped curly platinum-blonde hair that frothed around her beautifully made-up face peered in the window.

“That’s her!” Clarice cried, ran to the door and unlocked it. “Faith! You’re all right.”