It was still light outside. When he got a text that the car was out front, he escorted Liz out of her office. He stuck his head out of the office before entering the hallway. No one was present, so they moved out into the hallway just like they normally did. Everything was following their normal routine. She had to squint when they got outside. Real sunlight always was so much stronger than artificial. 

She ran into Ronnie’s back, stopping her cold. When Liz could finally see, she peeked around his hulking frame and gasped in horror. A dozen men blocked them from getting to the car. They all dressed in black tactical gear and had the bearing and haircuts of military men. Since there were no insignias on their clothing, they had to be mercenaries. They were all armed except for the guy in the middle. Liz pegged him for the leader just in his body language. He did not disappoint when he was the one to speak.

“Bodyguard, get down on your knees and lace your fingers behind your head!” he ordered. The men raised their automatic weapons in unison, pointing them at Ronnie. 

Liz leaned around Ronnie and up to his face, trying to get some idea of what to do. Ronnie stood firm until he heard several safeties being clicked off. Ronnie pushed her behind him, refusing to leave his position of protection. “Target the head, gentlemen,” said the leader gruffly. 

Liz was having none of whatever their plan was. “Stop!” she ordered. The men laughed at her. “Oh, no you didn’t, you jerks!” she huffed as she stepped from behind her shield and threw out her hands at them.  The men froze in place with shocked looks on their faces. Then each man burst into flames and disintegrated into a pile of ash and weapons. Liz and Ronnie both stood there, immobilized by shock at what she had done. Liz had a look of horror on her face while Robbie just looked impressed. It took another several seconds for her to notice that the city sounds around them had changed. She looked on the street and saw that traffic was not moving. The honking had increased considerably. She scanned the area, taking in that the traffic signal lights at the corner were out and the restaurants on the edge of the park were dark. People standing around in the park were shaking their phones as if trying to bring them back to life. 

She stood watching the chaos in utter amazement.