10
The book launch at the Jewish Regional Community Centre was a sell-out with all of the two hundred seats taken. Ellen Beetson stood at the back of the room watching the proceedings. She studied the faces and took in the exits, staging and balcony. There was still ten minutes until the talk began. She glanced at her phone, no messages. She sent a quick text message to Mitch to update him. At book launch, nothing untoward yet. Crowded House.
He texted back within minutes—just heading back to office, need back up?
Ellen looked around; all seemed in order. Hard to say but all looking under control, she texted back, then grabbed a seat on the aisle where she could make a quick exit.
Five minutes later a young man came on the stage and the audience broke into applause. Ellen put her phone
