Chapter 117: Chapter 117

“Dammit, Andre! Put down that rifle. We’re here to help you, man!” James’s had abandoned his military mode and was begging.

I risked another look. Andre was out of sight again. I edged through the door. Flattening myself against the building, I sidestepped toward the corner. James began talking again. He’d seen me and was trying to distract the crazed man.

I reached the corner. Andre’s stood with his back to me. I lunged and grabbed him in a bear hug. He twisted in my arms. His rifle barrel crashed against my head. I lost my hold on him. Dazed, I was virtually helpless as he whirled and brought his weapon to bear. James crashed into him, slamming him into the wall of the barn. His rifle went off. The projectile plowed harmlessly into the ground.

I snatched Andre’s legs from under him and rolled atop his chest. James sat astride his feet. Suddenly, all resistance went out of the farmer. He went limp. James pulled the rifle from his hands and laid it out of reach.