Chapter 5 - Stepping Outside Into Washington Night
Marcus offered his arm gently to Elena, guiding her carefully past the stunned guests toward the grand double doors.
The cool autumn air of Washington, D.C., rushed in to greet them as they stepped past the massive American flag.
Flashing blue and red lights from a dozen federal SUVs painted the pristine pavement outside in vibrant, shifting colors.
Paparazzi and evening news crews crowded behind police barricades, their camera shutters flashing like rapid lightning storms.
Elena raised her hand instinctively to shield her eyes from the intense glare of the media spotlights.
“You’re safe now, Elena; the tactical perimeter is secure and our medical transport is ready,” Marcus assured her softly.
May you like
She looked up at the night sky, taking a deep, restorative breath of freedom that tasted sweeter than anything she had ever known.
The nightmare she had endured inside that glittering ballroom was finally and irrevocably over.
