At the sound of the three shots, Spire's heart would have dropped into his stomach (if he'd had one of those hearts people talk about). Toby would rarely waste three bullets in such quick succession in normal circumstances. Spire was in a state of disbelief that after all the dozens and dozens of fights, his one arrogant move - not getting the teleporter out of the way first - could cost Toby's life.

His relief as he turned a corner and saw Toby apparently safe was palpable, but he settled almost instantly into cool amusement as he caught the tail end of Vivian's jeering. His mad dash slowed to a saunter as he caught his breath.

"Innocent," he said, half laughing, "is a very liberal term to apply to anyone these days."

Toby glanced at Dawn. The mind manipulator was still quite far away, farther than Toby could reliably hit with a pistol. Even with his skill as a marksman, his chances of making a fatal (or even incapacitating) shot couldn't be better than 50/50, but if the teleporter caused much more delay, the two women would have them.

Toby and Spire exchanged a short glance of silent communication, and acted as one.

Spire used his ability on the teleporter unless by chance she zapped away before his gaze had settled, Vivian would feel herself whipped out of her position as he distorted her Gift in a flash. He couldn't plan where it would land her, but he knew it would almost certainly get her out of the way so Toby could do his part.

At the same moment, with a fast-twitch aim, Toby took the shot, praying that the fourth bullet, the final one in the clip, the one that was supposed to go in the ground, would find Dawn.