*CLACK.*
Two SOG tactical operators stepped forward across the floor:
Their gloved hands caught Vanessa Reed and Kendra Vance by their collars, spun their frames ninety degrees against the pews, and ratcheted heavy-duty, double-locking, high-security stainless-steel military transport restraints around their wrists with four sharp, definitive snaps:
*SNAP.*
*SNAP.*
*SNAP.*
*SNAP.*
A second set of chains clamped around their ankles—the identical stainless-steel irons used for capital traitors at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth:
*SNAP-CLINK.*
With one sharp, professional motion, the female tactical operator stripped the platinum tennis bracelet from Vanessa’s trembling wrist, dropping the unearned luxury into a heavy mylar evidence bag:
*clink.*
Vanessa shrieked into the wood paneling, her ice-blue dress tearing along the seams, her tears mixing with the dust and wine on the floor:
“ETHAN! TELL THEM! WE WERE JUST TALKING! YOU CANNOT LET THEM TAKE ME TO LEAVENWORTH!”
Ethan Cole did not look at her.
