Gimme Three Steps

It was instinct that made Clint turn swiftly and race for the kitchen door heading for the study - but it was common sense that bought him to a dead stop before he'd gone three steps.
From where he stood he could see that the study door remained wide open, but he couldn't see inside. Just what had happened in there?
He turned back into the kitchen and searched anxiously but silently for a weapon.
Nothing.
Okay, he sighed, just have to play the cool hombre then.
In his mind he trembled, but his face donned a mask of smiling nonchalance.