“You? You . . . what?” Peaks sputtered. He reached for his phone, fumbled, frowned, and slowly realized Shade was holding it.

“Here! On me!” Peaks roared, and instantly came the rushing tramp of feet. Two more SWAT members came pelting down the stairs, their weapons leveled.

And then their weapons were no longer in their hands and Shade had both guns slung over her shoulder.

It really was absurdly easy. She could have done far more, far worse.

Power!

“Shoot her! Take her out!” Peaks yelled, and more SWAT members converged, all yelling, “Down down down!” at Martin and Cruz, trying to get a clear shot, and Martin yelling, “No!”

But again, Shade was no longer there, and their weapons were no longer in their hands, but lay in a heap on the parlor couch.

“That’s. Not. Going. To work. Mr. Peaks,” Shade said, coming to a stop.

Monster, Chapter 9