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 th

e 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