Rachel's eyes snapped open.
She sat up so quickly that the mattress shifted beneath her.
For a moment, she remained still, listening in the darkness.
Gunshots.
She was sure of it.
Not something falling in a room or a door slamming elsewhere in the hotel. She had heard the sharp reports clearly enough to wake her.
Beside her, Rebecca stirred.
"Mm… big sister?"
Rachel turned toward her.
"Did you hear that?"
Rebecca rubbed at her eyes and slowly pushed herself upright.
"Hear what?"
She had been deeply asleep. Even now, she seemed more confused by Rachel's sudden movement than by anything happening outside.
Rachel threw the covers back.
"Stay here."
She reached for the flashlight on the shelf beside the bed and stood. The floor was cold beneath her feet, but she barely noticed as she moved toward the door.
"Rachel?"
Rebecca sounded more awake now.
"What happened?"
"I don't know yet."
Rachel switched on the flashlight.
"Just stay in the room, Rebecca. Please."
