 Why do Reston-Farrell and Brett-James want Howard Temple-Tracy dead?
A gun is an interesting weapon; it can be hired, of course, and naturally doesn't care who hires it. The evening was dark, it was unlikely that the other even saw the circle of steel that was the mouth of the shotgun barrel, now resting on the car's window ledge. Lawrence Reston-Farrell said, "You are not being constrained. It opened on his approach, the door sliding back into the wall in much the same manner as the room's door had opened for Reston-Farrell. Reston-Farrell said, "I am afraid, Mr. Salviati-Prantera, that these are the only garments available. Reston-Farrell said compassionately, "Try this, it's excellent cognac." Reston-Farrell had approached the door by which he had entered and it reopened for him. Reston-Farrell, the one Joe had already met, was tall and drawn of face and with a chainsmoker's nervousness. Reston-Farrell said, "May I present my colleague, Citizen Warren Brett-James? Reston-Farrell said, "Of course," and then something else Joe didn't get. Whatever the something else was, a slot opened in the middle of the table and a glass, so clear of texture as to be all but invisible, was elevated. Warren Brett-James said soothingly, "Prepare yourself for somewhat of a shock, Mr. Prantera. Reston-Farrell said, "I am afraid we are confusing you. Reston-Farrell said, "Suffice to say, you are now one hundred and seventy-three years after the last memory you have." Reston-Farrell said, "Mr. Prantera, we have brought you from your era to perform a task for us." For the second time, Reston-Farrell said, "Where would you go, Mr. Prantera?" The two men of the future said nothing more for long minutes while Joe Prantera's mind whirled its confusion. "That is why we brought you here, Mr. Prantera. Brett-James said, "Mr. Prantera, there are no professional assassins in this age, nor have there been for over a century and a half." Reston-Farrell had come to his feet and walked to one of the large room's windows. Joe snapped: "Everything you guys say sounds crazy. Your ancestors found, Mr. Prantera, that it is difficult for a man to be free so long as others are still enslaved. What I wanta know is what's all this about me giving it ta somebody?
 Howard Temple-Tracy is an evil genius recruiting people to his cult.
 Howard Temple-Tracy is an evil genius recruiting people to his cult.  Howard Temple-Tracy is a terrorist bent on destroying North America.  Howard Temple-Tracy is an evil genius trying to take over the world.  Howard Temple-Tracy is a hitman trying to kill Reston-Farrell and Brett-James. They are just defending themselves.