The moment they cleared the threshold, Luca slammed the massive mahogany double doors shut and jammed a heavy brass chair firmly under the handles, locking the Council inside the chamber.
"We have exactly three minutes before they get those doors open and call their security details," Luca stated, already thinking ten steps ahead. He checked his magazine, his eyes sweeping the long hallway. "Our ghosts are stationed at the east stairwell. We take the service exit. It bypasses the main lobby."
"Lead," Nico ordered.
They ran.
Mara kicked off her heels, leaving them abandoned on the plush carpet, and sprinted in her bare feet.
Nico's hand never left hers, pulling her along as they tore down the winding, gilded corridors of the Council building. Dr. Silva stumbled ahead of them, pushed forward by Luca's relentless pace.
