CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR – CHAOS IN THE MANSION

The first indication that something was wrong came when the lights flickered and died, plunging the dining room into darkness. Marco was on his feet in an instant, his hand reaching for the weapon he always kept close. "Everyone down!" he shouted, just as the first shots shattered the windows. Chaos erupted. The air filled with the sound of breaking glass, gunfire, and screams. Marco grabbed Jasmine, pulling her down behind the heavy oak dining table. "Carlos!" Marco called out over the din. "Get my mother and the others to the safe room!" As Carlos ushered the terrified family members out of the room, Marco turned to Jasmine. "Stay close to me," he said, his eyes intense in the dim emergency lighting that had flickered to life. They made their way through the house, the sounds of combat echoing from all directions. Jasmine's heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm, to think clearly. "The security system," she said suddenly. "If they've disabled it, they must have had in