INT. - CONGRESSMAN BARNES'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Gerri did her best not to shift uncomfortably inside her ball gown, glaring down into the bubbles rising from the depths of her champagne. Worst. Decision. Ever. Not that the captain or Mayor Austin Price gave her a choice in the matter.
The thrumming cheer of Christmas carols soaring over the sound of chattering voices did little to make her feel better. She clung to the corner she'd claimed a half hour ago, defended with barely disguised snarls for those who attempted to join her for conversation. Bad enough she had to dress up, bad enough she had to come to this fucking party at Congressman Barnes's mansion, bad enough she was supposed to act like she was happy to be here.
It had to be Christmas, too.