Then the chain pulled itself out of Tresori’s flesh, moving of its own accord to the back of the stage, forcing several dignitaries to duck as it passed over their heads. It bent upwards and slithered along the wall of the new Customs Office, returning to a hooded figure who stood on the edge of the roof.
His cruel laughter echoed through the night.
Paralyzing shock gave way to blind panic. People screamed as they fled from the plaza. Desa feared that they might trample each other, but she had problems of her own to deal with. It was pandemonium on the stage as well.
The dignitaries were hopping out of their chairs and running for cover. Several of them clustered around the fallen ambassador. As if they could do a damn thing to help her. Desa started shoving bodies out of the way, despe
