Rene cried out in surprise as the blind snapped up. Turning suddenly, she shielded her eyes from the sudden glare. Her heart was pounding and the first tendrils of panic were beginning to grow in her gut. She took a few deep breaths, standing where she was. She wiped her hand across her brow, feeling sweat and wiping it off on her jeans.<br/><br/>Rene stepped to the window and looked out.