I had to hold the cloth against Roman’s side with one hand while watching the dark highway.

“We’re almost there,” I said, trying to convince myself as much as him.

The iron gates of the Blackwell estate loomed out of the dark.

Roman managed to press the transponder on the visor, and the gates swung open slow.

He drove the SUV up the winding driveway and stopped right in front of the main entrance.

Before the engine had even fully cut out, Roman’s head slumped forward against the steering wheel.

“Roman!” I cried, shaking his shoulder.

The heavy oak front door of the estate flew open.

Mara ran out into the rain, holding a large black umbrella.

Elias’s absence was loud; there were no guards at the front steps to greet us.

“Lena!” Mara called out, rushing to the passenger side. “What happened?”

“Ambush,” I said, pushing my door open. “Elias. He’s working for the Morettis.”

Mara’s face went completely pale, her eyes widening.

“Elias?” she whispered. “Oh, dear God.”

“We need to get Roman inside,” I said, sliding out of the car. “He’s been shot.”