The Return Of Franklin Miles

CHAPTER NINETY-TWO

Back at the Empire State Hotel, all the guests and workers were gathered in one place in the ballroom.

Big Joe and his boys ordered everyone to switch off their phones, make no phone calls, and lie down with their faces to the ground.

Big Joe, pacing around the room, barked orders, "Everyone, heads down! No one moves, no one talks unless I say so!"

The frightened guests and workers complied, trembling as they lay on the ground. Some whispered prayers, while others just sobbed quietly.

Big Joe’s boys walked around, ensuring everyone stayed down, occasionally kicking someone to enforce compliance.

Big Joe started to engage the hostages in conversation. "Who’s the manager?" He demanded, his voice echoing through the room.

Everyone kept quiet, too scared to speak. A few began pleading, "Please, don’t hurt us. We’re just guests here."

Big Joe grew impatient. "I asked a question! Who's the manager here?"

After a moment of silence, Mr. Hughes, trembling, indicated that he was the manager. “