The flashlight came at him without warning, and Nathan couldn't help himself. He was on edge, conscious of the fact that eyes might be on him at any moment. He was too angry with himself for what he was doing, and yet too close to skating by on this one - this one last thing - and then, if he could just get through the election, it could all be over. And he was too blinded by the light to be able to tell who was coming at him, or whether they were holding anything else.
He went for his gun. He dropped the chain and his hands went to his holster, bringing his firearm up in one swift movement.
And then he recognized the voice. Hesitation entered his posture, and he lowered the gun a few inches, but not entirely, squinting into the light. "Damnit, Parker, don't scare me like that."