All the disapproving looks in the world would not get Tim to admit the entire truth of his motivation. His expression remained neutral as he responded.

"What in this town wouldn't have given me the idea of a blood sacrifice?" It was true if you thought about it. "It turned out to be a fool's errand. The gate didn't open, about the only thing that came out of it was an encounter with a tall, masculine figure who was in silhouette the entire time."