Ripping Time by Robert Asprin & Linda Evans

“What’s going on?” Dominica Nosette demanded.

“Station emergency!” Margo shouted above the strident skronkk! Ann had already bolted toward her office. Margo was right behind, literally saved by the bell. Oh, God, how’m I ever gonna face that bunch again? Ann flung open her office door, snatched up the telephone, dialed a code that plugged her into the station’s security system. Margo crowded in, then barricaded the doorway so tourists and the Ripper Watch Team couldn’t barge in, as well. A moment later, Ann hung up, white-faced and shaken. “There’s been a shooting! Skeeter and Ianira! Security’s just put out a station-wide alarm. Ianira’s missing! And there’s a station riot underway!”

Her voice carried out through the doorway to the milling throng of tourists and Ripperologists. For one agonizing second, indecision crucified Margo. Ianira was a friend, a good friend, but Margo had a job to do here. And no matter how desperately she wanted to run from her own embarrassing mistake, she had to finish that job.

Dominica Nosette and Guy Pendergast, however, showed no such hesitation.

They grabbed equipment bags and ran.

“Margo! Go after those idiots!” Ann was already striding toward the exit, blocking the way with her body. “Nobody else leaves this range, is that clear? Nobody!” Diminuitive as she was, none of the others challenged her. They’d all seen her shoot. And nobody wanted to face down the Royal Irish Constabulary revolvers she abruptly clutched in either hand, rather than wearing benignly in twin holsters.

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