The Gala

"Put this on."

Nikolai threw a garment bag onto the bed.

It had been two weeks. Ava had learned the rhythm of the penthouse. She knew when Nikolai left for "business" (violence) and when he returned (smelling of copper and cold). She knew that Dmitri hated her; she caught him glaring at her when Nikolai wasn't looking, muttering words she couldn't hear but could feel the venom of.

Ava opened the bag. It was a gown. Silk, the color of blood. Backless.

She found a note on the hanger. *We have guests. You stay by my side. Do not speak.*

The Bratva was hosting a "charity" gala in the penthouse. A way to launder money and influence in plain sight.

The evening was a blur of expensive perfume and dangerous men. Ava stood next to Nikolai, his hand resting heavily on the small of her back. He was wearing a tuxedo, looking like a prince of darkness. He guided her through the room, introducing her as his "companion."

Ava felt the vibration of the music—a string quartet Nikolai had hired. It felt thin and tinny compared to her cello.

She waited for her moment.

Nikolai was pulled away by a Senator. He hesitated, looking at Ava. *Stay,* he signed.

Ava nodded.

As soon as he turned his back, she moved.

She didn't run. She walked with purpose toward the kitchen, then slipped into the service corridor. She knew there was a service elevator back there. She had seen the caterers using it.

She reached the hallway. It was empty. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She pressed the call button.

The light turned green.

A hand slammed onto her shoulder.

Ava spun around.

Dmitri stood there. He was smiling, but it wasn't a nice smile. He held a device in his hand—a jammer? A remote?

He spoke, exaggerating his lip movements so she would understand every word.

"He is distracted," Dmitri said. "And you are a loose end."

Ava tried to shove past him. Dmitri grabbed her wrist and twisted. Ava gasped, pain shooting up her arm.

"He thinks you are a pet," Dmitri sneered. "I think you are a witness."

He pressed a button on the remote in his hand.

Instantly, the vibration of the music from the main hall stopped. The lights in the hallway died.

The penthouse was plunged into absolute darkness.

Ava couldn't see anything. And she couldn't hear anything.

She was trapped in a void.