Rory was barely aware of the mayor stepping out on the stage. The applause that filled the room was a dull thud compared to the voracious pounding of her heart, her pulse pounding in her eardrums.
“Listen to me," the red headed man said.
Rory immediately regretted that she had picked a table at the very back of the room. She desperately looked around, searching for Micah, for Jared, searching for anyone who could help her. But every single face in the room was turned toward the stage
“There's a back door behind the bar," the red headed man whispered to Rory. “Walk toward it."
When Rory didn't move, the man shoved the gun against her stomach. He leaned closer, and when he spoke, Riley could smell alcohol on his breath.
“I will shoot you, Rory. Do what I tell you to do."
“Okay, okay,"
