Securing the Perimeter
The pounding intensified, but I made no move to turn the handle or acknowledge them. I reached out and physically verified that the deadbolt was fully engaged and locked tight.
Satisfied that they could not force their way inside, I turned my back on their frantic display. I walked calmly down the hallway, leaving their muffled shouts behind me.
My destination was the kitchen, where I had one final task to complete before the taxi arrived.