“Until I know the shooter’s motivation, assuming they have one, nothing about this is rational,” Adam said. “It’s merely educated speculation. I could be wrong, and that could be fatal to one or all of us.”

Rune groaned.

Adam continued. “Nevertheless, I recommend leaving, and soon. Elle, you help Rune. She’s not feeling well.”

Elle shot Rune a glance. She swayed as if today’s events had exhausted her.

Adam left the shadows and strode purposefully through the shop.

Elle tucked her hand under Rune’s elbow, and they hurried after him.

“Get across the street and inside as quickly as you can. Go!”

Elle and Rune headed out.

Adam said, “I’ll be right behind you...after I make a stop at the ATV.”

Elle started to turn, but Rune tugged at her. “He’s collecting his weapons.”

“Of course he is.” They were at the restaurant door. They opened it and stepped inside. Blinded by the sunlight, Elle blinked, then heard the reassuring babble of voices.

Inside, a dozen Gothic citizens sat and stood huddled against the back wall and inside the alcove that led to the restrooms. Señor Alfonso and Ludwig held gleaming chef’s knives.

“Come away from the window,” Ludwig commanded.

Señor Alfonso said, “Where’s Adam? He will know what to do next.”

On those words, Adam came through the door carrying a black nylon belt and holster. His measured stride seemed deliberate, as if he wanted to calm the others. “Now we wait for law enforcement.”

Elle suspected his movements were calculated to hide his pain and started toward him, to support him.

“Elle, go to the back,” he commanded. “I’ll help Rune.”

She didn’t think he was in shape to help anyone, but she knew better than to focus attention on his careful motions, and she hurried toward the wall.

“Was that a gunshot?” Freya Goodnight eyed his holster. She seemed incredulous and inclined to disbelieve.

“Yes.” Adam assisted Rune to a chair at the back.

“I told you that was a gunshot!” Mr. Kulshan was annoyed at having had his word questioned. “I was in the military. I know.”

Mrs. Kulshan patted his hand and murmured soft words that made him close his eyes and relax into his chair. “Shell shock,” she mouthed to Elle.

“Was someone hit?” Señor Alfonso asked.

“Look!” Ludwig pointed. “Rune was hit!”

“I’m not badly injured.” Rune touched her bandaged cheek and forehead. “The shot came through the window in my consultation room and—” Elle held her breath, and Rune glanced at Adam “—and sprayed glass everywhere.” She held up a lock of her hair. “The bullet cut my hair!”

“Wow.” Justin Scharphorn from the Gothic Times got his computer tablet out of his backpack. “You were there for the shooting! Can I get an exclusive?”