Sarah looked up at the security camera mounted on the ceiling, holding her phone to her ear with trembling fingers. Her red silk dress was torn and marked with small stains of blood, but her eyes burned with determination. A framed American flag artwork hung on the wall behind her, illuminated by bright daylight coming through the tall windows. She pressed the speed dial button for her father, praying he would answer before Julian caught up with her. The phone rang twice before the deep, familiar voice of Arthur Vance filled her ear.
Sarah: Dad... close every exit!
Arthur: Sarah? What is going on? Where are you?
Sarah: Julian attacked me! Lock down the entire estate right now!
Arthur: I am turning the security system on from my phone immediately.
Before Sarah could say another word, Julian stepped out from the library into the brightly lit ballroom. He wore a sharp gray suit and possessed an arrogant, smug smile on his face as double wooden doors began to swing shut behind him. He thought Sarah was completely helpless and alone in the vast house. Julian walked toward her with slow, confident steps, ignoring the blood dripping down her neck. He believed he held all the power in the building and that the guests would take his side no matter what happened.
Julian: You should have stayed quiet, Sarah.
Sarah: You are not going to get away with this anymore.
Julian: Look at you. You look crazy and hysterical right now.
Sarah: The truth is coming out whether you like it or not.
Suddenly, the massive wooden double doors slammed shut under the grand crystal chandelier with a deafening crash. The heavy iron lock engaged with a loud metallic click that echoed through the entire mansion. The formally dressed guests inside the room gasped in shock, looking around in complete confusion as the main exits sealed shut. Julian’s smug smile instantly faded as he whirled around to face the sealed doors, realizing he could not leave. Panic flashed across his face as he grabbed the heavy brass handles and rattled them uselessly against the frame.
Julian: What are you doing?!
Sarah: Because this room saw everything!
Julian: Open these doors right now! Let me out!
Sarah: My father controls the security grid, Julian. You are trapped.