Chapter 30: The Gathering Of Stormclouds, Part 8, Call Security - Now!

Ben is red, almost purple-faced, raging incoherently at Charlotte. He’s standing close, really close; well within the personal space that most people carry around with them. And his body language...

Is he going to hit her?

It really does look as though it’s turning violent. I stab at the con again. “Security. Speed it up to the lobby, please. You’re needed here pronto.”

The elevator doors open: it’s James, looking angrier than I’ve seen him. I simply point outside to where the row between Ben and Charlotte has reached Def Con One. His fists are balled as he strides out.

Outside, Ben, although not a particularly tall man, is looking over Charlotte, almost looming over her. Everything about him screams violence.

He shoves at her, a palm flat on her chest...

He is going to hit her...

Charlotte’s fist swings, catching him square in the face, and blood spurts. Ben roars outrage, and at that moment, two security men burst into the lobby.