Taken by surprise, Proctor nevertheless reacted instinctually with a sharp downward movement, attempting to throw the intruder off guard; but the man anticipated the reaction and thwarted it. Instantly, Proctor felt the sting of a needle jabbed deep into his neck. He froze.
“Movement is inadvisable,” came a strange, silky voice that Proctor, with profound shock, recognized.
He did not move. It stunned him that a man—any man—had gotten the drop on him. How was it possible? He had been preoccupied, inattentive. He would never forgive himself for this. Especially because this man, he knew, was Pendergast’s greatest enemy; returned, it seemed, from the dead.
“You’re far better versed than I in the arts of physical combat,” continued the smooth voice. “So I’ve taken the liberty of evening the odds. What you’re feeling in your neck at the moment is a needle. I have not yet depressed the plunger. The syringe contains a dose of sodium pentothal—a very large dose. I will ask you once, and once only: signal your acquiescence by relaxing your body. How you react now will determine whether you receive a dose that is merely anesthetizing…or lethal.”
Proctor considered his options. He let his body go limp.
“Excellent,” said the voice. “The name is Proctor, I seem to recall?”
Proctor remained silent. There would be an opportunity to reverse the situation; there was always an opportunity. He only had to think.
“I’ve been observing the family manor for some time now. The man of the house is away—permanently, it would seem. It’s as depressing as a tomb. You might as well all be wearing crepe.”
Proctor’s mind raced through various scenarios. He must pick one and execute it. He needed time, just a little time, a few seconds at most…
“Not in the mood for a chat? Just as well. I have a great many things to do, and so I bid you: Good night.”
As he felt the plunger slide home, Proctor realized his time was up—and that, to his vast surprise, he had failed.