John was just bending to see if there were any cues stashed under the table when he heard steps on the staircase.
"George, Doctor," he hissed, "get back." He'd just started to move toward the wall adjoining the staircase, ready to get the jump on whoever it was, but then Sam and the guy, Dean, were greeting each other like they were best friends. John relaxed slightly and looked over at the the Doctor and George with a smirk.