“You see-” I started to explain.
“Maybe we should talk later? Sorry, but I think we should get out of here now.”
“I agree,” I said, “Um…how do you suggest?”
“We could just go out the kitchen door-” Eric put his hand on the knob.
“No!” I hissed under my breath.
“What?” Eric turned back to me.
“They’re coming!”
Eric pulled his hand off the knob. I could see that he was hearing what I had heard- footsteps and gruff voices, coming from the front room.
“Can’t find her anywhere, boss.”
“Mustacio!” I whispered.
“Who?” Eric looked puzzled.
“Head Goon. Big gun, big mustache. Bad news.”
“I don’t want to know how you know that.” Eric grinned at me, and I grinned back.
From outside I heard Mr. CC’s silky voice. “Well, search harder! She went in, she must still be here.”
“Unless-” I said, an idea coming to me. “She went out!”
I put my hand on the window latch, and Eric’s smile flashed in the gloom.