The bullet hit Charles as Kellie shielded Jamie, Jared, and Kelsey,ushering them to the floor as she herded them behind a support column with her.
"Mom," Jared said as Kelsey started crying.
"Stay down, cover your heads and Kelsey's" Kellie said as she handed Kelsey to Jared.
Kellie grabbed her firearm as it was deathly quiet with the exception of Kelsey's sobs.
"Charles," Kellie said as she saw Charles lying on the ground, bleeding from a chest wound.
She caught Monica's eye who wanted to move to Charles's side. Kellie shook her head indicating to wait.
Kellie went to move out from behind the column and was forced to duck back behind the column when more shots rang out.
Jamie cried out in the pain when a bullet ricocheted and grazed his arm.
Kellie inspected the wound, at least relieved it was only superficial.
Kellie took the light cardigan she was wearing off and quickly wrapped it around Jared's arm.
"Johnny," Kellie said, "Status."
"Just one sniper I believe," Johnny said, "Authorities have been notified."
"Drew," Kellie asked, "You wouldn't be happen to be…"
"Carrying, no," Drew said, "I don't want to risk not being on the wrongside if…"
"I highly doubt whoever's messed with your head is involved in this situation," Kellie said.
"I am," Sam said, pulling out her gun.
Drew looked shocked.
"I think I've at least learned it can't hurt to be prepared," Sam said.
Charles groaned before any more could be said.
"We have to help him," Monica said, creeping out from under the table when more shots were fired causing her to retreat.
"Believe me, Monica, I know," Kellie said, assessing their options and escape routes.
Kellie bent down and whispered to the kids, "Do you know where the entrance to the restaurant kitchen is out of the courtyard?"
Jamie and Jared nodded.
"I want you to take Kelsey and stay low behind the tables and flower beds," Kellie said, "There's plenty of cover that direction for you get out of here."
"What about you Mom?" Jared asked.
Meanwhile, Drew and Sam waited.
"Kellie's best option is to draw the fire, so the kids can get out," Drew whispered, "If it's her they want."
"That's exactly what she'll do," Sam said.
"If she does," Drew said, "As much as I hate to do it, we could move Charles and Monica where Monica can give him first aid."
"I'll provide cover," Sam said.
"Just go," Kellie said, kissing Kelsey's forehead and tussling Jamie and Jared's heads, "Now!"
The boys quickly ran as Kellie took off the other direction, drawing the gunfire away from them.
Drew caught Monica's eye as he dashed out to drag Charles back behind columns at the casino wall and behind a flower bed. Sam kept alert ready to fire as Monica hurried darting between tables and hurrying back to where Drew had been able to move Charles. Monica set to work assessing his condition. By now, Charles had turned pale.
"We have to get him to a hospital," Monica said, "He's lost a lot of blood. Judging by the entry wound, there's a good chance the bullet hit his lungs."
Inside the Casino
"Change of plans," Frances said to Kristina, "We're taking the girls to the panic room in Kellie's office here."
"What's wrong?" Kristina asked.
"Gunshots in the courtyard," Francis said.
"Oh my god," Kristina said.
"I'll stay with the girls and coordinate," Francis said, "Do you feel comfortable seeing how close you can get to the courtyard safely? If Kellie and Johnny can get the other kids out, you can help get them back to Kellie's office."
"I can do that," Kristina said, "If there's anything else, let me know."
Frances nodded.
"Change in plans," Kristina said to Scout and Alyssa, "I have to help your moms with something in the courtyard really quick. I'll be back as soon as I can. Just stay with Frances."
"But what about our dance party?" Scout asked.
"Later, I promise," Kristina said and took off.
"Alright, Uncle Franny," Alyssa asked, "What's really going on?"
"Right now, we have to move quickly," Francis said, hurrying the girls along, "I'll explain after that."
As Johnny was hurrying with the kids through the kitchen and through the halls when he felt something heavy hit the back of his head.
"I hate to break up this little escape," Cyrus said, as Johnny stumbled, "But I'm going to need those kids."
Johnny tried to stay between Cyrus and the kids, but was woozy and Cyrus shoved him out of the way into the wall. He slumped to the floor.
Jamie stomped on Cyrus's foot as he lunged for Jared and Kelsey, giving them the chance to get away.
Jamie started to run but was stopped by Cyrus yanking his arm back. Jamie yelped.
"Why you little runt," Cyrus said.
Jared paused and looked back.
"Just run," Jamie yelled as Cyrus dragged him back towards the courtyard, "And get help."
Jared continued running with Kelsey until he bumped into Kristina.
"Aunt Krissy, Cyrus has Jamie," Jared said, "He knocked out Uncle Johnny. Grandpa Charles got shot in the courtyard."
"Do you know where your mom's office is?" Krissy said, "Or a room you could lock yourself and Kelsey in until I or your mom or another family member can get you. Actually wait, we're near hotel security's office. I'm going to take you there."
"But what about Jamie and Mom and Grandpa and?" Jared asked.
"Let's get you and Kelsey to safety first with hotel security," Kristina said, "Then I can go help her and everyone else."
The Courtyard
Kellie hid behind a column and looked on as Monica tried to stop Charles's bleeding. Sam had managed make her way to Kellie's side.
"How are you doing?" Sam asked.
"I can't even think about that right now," Kellie said, "My kids are who knows where right now and Charles doesn't look good. We need to get the paramedics in here to get Charles to the hospital. But that's not going to happen with the sniper shooting every time someone moves. Any chance you were able to get an idea of where the sniper might be shooting from while I was drawing the fire?"
"No," Sam said.
Kellie contemplated her next move when her phone buzzed. She checked her message to find Francis texting her the sniper had been apprehended by security and police.
"Sniper's been apprehended," Kellie said, "I'm going to move out into the open and make sure we're clear. Cover me."
"Got it," Sam said as Kellie inched out into the open. She held her breath as she waited.
"We're clear," Kellie said as she pulled out her phone to make a call.
"Hi, we need and ambulance and paramedic at the casino courtyard," Kellie said, "My father-in-law has been shot in the chest. He needs immediate transport to the hospital. Monica, what are his vitals?"
I'm afraid no one's going anywhere or getting help just yet," Cyrus said, coming into the courtyard, holding Jamie at gunpoint.
