Poke knew where everything was. He’d been there earlier to get the layout should he ever have to come inside without being invited. He took a minute to look around before he headed for the second floor and the bedroom that belonged to Sam Rainford. He made no sound as he climbed the stairs. He waited in the narrow hallway for a few seconds to see if anyone was moving. The only thing he could hear was the sound of the golden retriever barking in the cul-de-sac outside.

Back downstairs, Poke walked the kitchen, his gaze taking in everything. It took him five minutes to find the coffee and fill the pot with water and grounds. They would have to drink it black with sugar unless Sam had powdered milk. The refrigerator held nothing but bottled water, a bottle of wine, three bottles of beer, and two shriveled-up apples that were about to disintegrate.

Minutes later, he was back on the second floor checking the other rooms to see where the other women were sleeping. They were going to figure in his plans, too. Faint dawnlight was creeping through the shutters in Sam’s bedroom. He tiptoed over to Sam’s bed, aware that he was stepping on the scarlet spandex dress she had worn the evening before. It looked like she was wearing green plaid pajamas. He leaned over and cupped his hand against her mouth. She jerked and started to thrash about on the bed. “Shhh, I’m not here to hurt you. I just want you to come down to the kitchen to talk to me. I already made coffee. If you scream or make a sound, I will hurt you. Blink your eyes twice to show me you understand what I just said.” Sam blinked twice, her eyes full of terror. “Good. I’m here to offer you and Slick jobs. Like I said, I don’t want to hurt you. Relax, and I will show you something.” Poke stepped back and turned, just far enough so that Sam could see the gun in his shoulder holster. With his free hand he pulled out a small leather folder and whisked it open. A gold shield glowed. A second later it was back in his breast pocket.

It was getting lighter out, and the bedroom wasn’t so dim and dark. “I’m going to take my hand off your mouth. If you make one sound, I will hurt you. Blink if you understand.” Sam blinked. “Good. Now, I want you to get up, go into Slick’s room, and bring her here. Be very careful what you say. The three of us will go downstairs, have some coffee, and I’ll tell you why I’m here. Now, move! I’ve never been known for my patience.”