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 ...