Mackenzie the distraction

The lead robber lowered his weapon and grabbed a pen from one of the teller windows and began writing on the back of a loan application form. The rest of the armed gunmen were more than enough to make sure Mackenzie and Stephanie stayed compliant even without the leader's full attention on them.

"Okay, so here's what's gonna happen." the ringleader explained. "I'm gonna write some cue cards, and you're going to read them off live on air. And, to make sure we're bein' listened to, we'll have your news station playing in here."

The ringleader then nodded to one of his associated, who crossed the lobby to one of the televisions on display in the bank. After flipping through a few channels they finally landed on Mackenzie's news station.

"-an impact on the textile industry. Now, on a more pressing note, we're about to be going live to our on-scene reporter at the scene of a bank robbery in progress. Mackenzie, what can you tell us?"

The screen went dark for a few moments as Stephanie realized her cue to start filming. Holding up and centering her camera, she manipulated the controls and started the live broadcast. Mackenzie saw herself appear on the screen and gulped.

"Th-thank you. This is M-Mackenzie, reporting... reporting live on scene. We, ah-" Mackenzie began before her attention was drawn back to the ringleader waving at her. Motioning to the paper in his hand, he indicated for Mackenzie to start reading.

"My camera operator and I are both unharmed, but we have been taken hostage by the robbery team." Mackenzie read as she felt her pulse quicken. "In exchange for our continued safety, they demand that this broadcast continue uninterrupted, and completely live. And signs of editing will result in... in serious consequences."

There was a pause as the ringleader went about filling out the back of another sheet and held it up for the redhead to read. Skimming its contents, Mackenzie felt her blood run cold.

"I-I-In order to test your compliance with this demand, I will... I will now, on live television..." Mackenzie slowly read.