Jackson went cold.

His first instinct was to drop down on top of Charlie, to protect her as much as he could. It took him a full minute to realize the gun hadn't gone off in the room with them. But it had been close - which meant the danger was still very real.

He leaped up and tugged up his pants. Charlie tried to get up, too, but he shook his head. "Stay down here. Lock the door. Don't open it for anyone but me."

Heavy footsteps sounded above them - ...