Chapter 16 The Power Returns

• The hum did not start in the study. It started sixty floors down in the subterranean mechanical vaults of the building, a low, bass-heavy vibration that traveled up through the reinforced steel frame before bursting into the quiet room.
• Then, the world turned blindingly bright.
• Overhead recessed lights flared to maximum wattage, flooding every corner of the study with a harsh, unyielding white glare. The smart thermostat on the wall beeped loudly twice as the central air conditioning roared to life, pushing a sudden gust of icy air through the vents. Down the hallway, automated appliances chimed in unison, and the heavy security gates at the base of the penthouse unlatched with a loud, metallic clunk.