"There are twenty-two people here. It's impossible that not a single one of you has the connections to get everyone out safely and make sure Blake is no longer possessed."
Silence fell like a heavy curtain.
Lana's eyes darkened.
"What's really going on?"
Jimmy's shoulders trembled. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, and when she finally spoke, her voice cracked into a choked sob.
"Blake's family… is being attacked by another political party."
The words landed like a stone dropped into still water.
"That party," Jimmy continued shakily, "made sure no one from this suburban villa could leave. If all of us die here, it'll create another massive scandal for Blake's family."
Her hands clenched into fists.
"Once that happens, Blake's family will never be able to recover."
The truth finally surfaced.
"That's why," Jimmy whispered, "we had no choice but to approach a neutral party."
Understanding dawned on Lana instantly.
