The hallway is empty.
That's the first thing that registers. There's no staff, no guests, no one except the two men flanking me.
Just the sound of the party below.
We move quickly, my heels clicking against hardwood as the guards rush me forward. The corridor stretches longer than I remember, doors on either side all closed, lights dim.
Where is everyone?
At the top of the stairs, I pause, looking down at the main staircase that descends to the foyer, where I can hear the party spilling from the main function room. But the guard's hand tightens on my elbow, steering me away.
"This way, Miss O'Rourke."
We turn down a different corridor, one I've only been down once before. It leads to the service areas, the back of the house, where staff move unseen. My heels are too loud on this floor, each step announcing my presence.
"What's happening?" I ask as they propel me forward.
"No time to explain. Keep moving."
We turn another corner. Then another. The sounds of the party fade behind us.
"I need to know what's—"
"Here." One of them opens a door to fluorescent lights and a concrete floor. The garage.
Three black SUVs sit in a row, windows tinted so dark I can't see inside. Engines running. The smell of exhaust is sharp in the enclosed space.
"I don't understand," I start to say.
But one of the guards is already moving to the middle SUV, opening the back door.
"Get in. Stay low."
I look into the dark interior. See nothing at first. Then movement. A figure in the shadows.
William.
My heart stops.
He's in the driver's seat, twisted around to look at me. His face is tight, expression hard.
Why isn't he at the party? Why isn't he with everyone else?
He doesn't speak. Just holds one finger to his lips and points to the back seat floor with his other hand.
Get down. He gestures.
I don't move. Can't move. Nothing about this makes sense.
"My brother is in there," I say, pointing back toward the party. "The families. Everyone—"
"Aoife." William's voice is low, dangerous. "Get in the fucking car. Now."
Something in his eyes makes me obey. Not fear, exactly.
I climb in. The security guard immediately shuts the door behind me. The SUV is already moving before I've found my balance.
"What—"
