1. We were all in an orderly line. Whos to say i wasn't behind him.
2. Reaction time pertains not just to movements but thought process. 
3. Being right behind him, and recognizing Verds intentions, it seems obvious what White Skull will do in retaliation.
4. Exoskeleton, and a shotgun hit would take up minimal mass as it passes through his purely energy based 'body'
5. Left hand of exoskeleton is pure steel and thus could block a majority of the shot.
6. If midnight is behind verd, and skull shot point blank, Midnight is within arms reach and aware of the situation.