Nicaise let out a soft oof as his back hit the wall. But it was the shock of the sudden violence that made him freeze up, eyes wide and limbs rigid. He jumped at the loud bangs from the gun, and then he remembered who was with him. Toulouse was cowering behind his legs, the handle of his leash held in a death grip, almost forgotten. Nicaise scrambled to pick his small dog up in his arms, jumping into action as soon as the man beckoned him to follow.

"I've never seen a gun used in person before," he said breathlessly as he followed the man. He'd seen them in movies and on the television, but he hadn't been prepared for how loud it would be.