he heavy doors of the
, and blinding strobe lights cut through the smoky air. She wore
r her official exit from the corporate roster. She
fake corporate pleasantries. She didn't notice Gary Chandler-a mid-level manager facing termination-staring at her from the corner o
colored cocktails and push
booth next to her. He held out a glowing blue Margarita.
essional distance. She took the gl
ing his voice to mock her. "What, too good to drink w
ave her alone. She raised the glass and too
us grin spread across his face. He immediately
inutes later, t
ht. The heavy bass of the music suddenly sounded like it was underwater. A wave
and missed the table, and the
She collapsed heavily back into the leather sofa.
outh, giving her a brief, agonizing second of clarity. She pushed herself up and stum
nside a stall, and slumped against the cold tile wall.
ammed into t
echoed off the tiles. He began pounding on her
h. She pulled out her phone. The icons on the screen were
it rapidly five times. The SOS emergency protocol activated.
" the dispatcher's voice crac
" Felicity whispered, her voice slurri
ed violently. He kicked the cheap lock on the and smashed it against the porce
y grunted in pain. He raised his hand and slapped her hard across the f
body. He dragged her out the back alley exit of
helsea. Gary hauled her over his shoulder and carried her i
. He immediately started unbuckling hi
ried to scream, but her vocal cords were paralyze
f her silk dress and ripped it. The fabric tore lou
of heavy boots echoed in the motel hall
tcher had tra
ow. Panic consumed him. He tried to pull his pants up an
! Ope
led Felicity up against his chest, wrapping his arm tightly around her
inward, smashed open b
hrough the dark room. Three officer
nding light. Through the glare, she saw a massive, terrifyin
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