Chapter 2 - THE GLASS PRISON
The heavy acoustic echo of the conservatory doors slamming shut reverberated through the marrow of every terrified guest trapped inside.
Heavy steel security shutters dropped with mechanical finality over the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, plunging the elite gathering into sudden shadow.
The framed US flag mounted on the conservatory wall caught the dim emergency lighting, casting long, solemn red and white stripes across the floor.
Panic rippled instantly through the crowd of high-society figures in their expensive evening gowns and tailored suits.
The older woman in the royal blue evening gown gripped her diamond necklace so tightly her knuckles turned paper-white.
"What is the meaning of this outrage!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with sudden, unadulterated terror.
The father stood motionlessly beside his injured daughter, his distressed black leather jacket absorbing the dim ambient light like a shroud.
His graying beard twitched slightly as he watched the locked doors seal shut against the outside world.
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The young man in the light grey suit struggled to his feet from the shattered banquet table, wiping blood from his split lip.
"You're dead, you old bastard! You have no idea whose lives you just ruined!" the young man roared, lunging forward again.
