I was trapped.

And fury, like the hot teeth of a wolf, bit into me.

That leveled gun, the menace in Sampson's puzzled eyes, Wright's dark and hateful face, these loosened the spirit of fight in me.

If Sally had not been there I would have made some desperate move.
Sampson barred Wright from entering, which action showed control as well as distrust.
"You lied!" said Sampson to Sally.

He was hard as flint, yet doubtful and curious, too.
"Certainly I lied," snapped Sally in reply.