The taller man released her immediately. He too had a blank expression on his face. Cole was stunned how quickly this situation had turned around.

"Are you... controlling them?" Cole asked.

"Why of course! Now, the question is: What should I make them do?"

The man with the gun pulled the hammer back, ready to fire.

"Wait!" Cole said. "Having him kill himself here would be messy. Not to mention the noise would draw attention here."

"Hmm, I suppose you're right about that. I've got a better idea anyway."

Zafira walked up and took the gun out of the man's mouth and tossed it to the ground. She leaned forward...