Page 75 of Solving Sophronia

“Sophie, stay down!”

She must be imagining Jonathan’s voice. He couldn’t really... She shook her head again, feeling dizzy as she pushed herself up to a sitting position to lean back against the wall. The room was blurry, but she could still make out the details.

At least half a dozen blue uniforms of police officers filled the doorway. Sergeant Lester jerked Hans away from Prissy, and Jonathan crossed the room toward Sophie at a run.

She let her eyes close as relief made her limp.We are saved.She breathed out a heavy breath.

Hearing a shout, her eyes flew open in time to see Lord Everleigh spin, his pistol aimed at Jonathan.

The constables drew back.

Jonathan stepped to the side, blocking Sophie.

Lord Everleigh grabbed Prissy, holding an arm around her waist and pulling her toward the exit. He turned the gun toward Sophie’s sister. “You will let me through.”

The constables moved aside, leaving the exit clear.

Lord Everleigh frowned, apparently not liking his chances of walking through the police, even with a hostage. He backed up, instead moving toward the other exit.

Prissy stumbled backward.

“Don’t even think about moving.” He jerked the pistol up in a demonstration that made the entire room flinch.

He’s getting away!Sophie looked frantically around the room, but nobody dared charge the man while he held a gun to Prissy’s head.

Lord Everleigh backed up farther, a conceited curl on his lip.

Prissy was utterly terrified. Her face had flushed, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She made a whimpering noise.

From the far side of the room, Dorrit barked.

And just like that, Sophie knew what to do. Her heartbeat sped up, and she focused. The timing must be just right.

Lord Everleigh took another step back.

Now.Sophie whistled. “Biscuit, Dorrit,” she called in a sing-song voice.

Dorrit leaped from Mimi’s lap and ran toward her, moving behind Lord Everleigh’s feet just as the man stepped backward.

The small dog was just near enough to make him lose his footing. Lord Everleigh stumbled, spreading out his arm to keep his balance.

The instant the gun was no longer aimed at Prissy, Jonathan pounced, tackling the man to the floor. He wrestled the pistol from his hand.

Sergeant Lester handed off his prisoner to another officer and sprang forward to catch a swooning Prissy before she hit the ground.

Mimi snatched up Dorrit, cooing over the confused animal as the police shackled the criminals.

An instant later Jonathan’s arms were around Sophie.

She wept against his shoulder, shaking and clinging to him as tightly as she could.

“You’re safe now, Sophie. It’s over.”

“He... Lord Everleigh...”

“He can’t hurt you now.” He shifted, sitting on the ground and pulling away to examine her head. His eyes tightened as he moved the hair from her forehead. “This should be treated by a doctor.” He drew out a handkerchief from his jacket and pressed it to her head.

“Mimi? Prissy?”

---