The Board Summons

I turn to face the door. The guards come through it three seconds later, rifles up, flashlights cutting the smoke. They see me standing over the bodies. They see Roman on the floor with blood soaking through his shirt. They lower their weapons. Someone calls for a medic. Someone else says the perimeter is compromised. I tell them to secure the east gate and hold the front. I keep my hand on the blade in my clutch.

Then I help Roman to the study and the night becomes what it becomes.