Heron Lake Plateau i.x : who was only a stranger at home

Colt heard Niamh's call from nearby, and shook his head, though he didn't like the tone of it.  Something was off, and likely as not, no response was coming from Towhee.  Niamh either wasn't thinking or was hoping the damn bird would intercept.

Well, Colt wasn't about to play errand boy, but he was going to go see what was going on.  

He arrived to find her with another, but looming over the girl, who seemed terrified.  Colt stopped and gave a long look, first at her, then back to Niamh.  What's going on?