Mara was there, holding a damp cloth and a basin of water.

She looked at Roman’s pale face with deep concern.

“Mr. Blackwell, you should be in bed,” Mara said.

“Not now, Mara,” Roman said, waving her off.

He turned to Elias, who had returned from the courtyard.

“Bring the armored SUV to the side entrance,” Roman told him.

“Yes, sir,” Elias said.

I noticed Elias glance at my pocket, where the key was hidden.

He quickly looked away, his face turning back to its usual mask.

“Are you sure about him?” I whispered to Roman as Elias walked out.

“He has been with us for two years,” Roman said. “His father worked for my uncle.”

I nodded, trying to shake the unease crawling up my spine.

The front doors of the estate were still locked, but the air inside was cold from the broken window.

I put on a heavy black wool coat to block out the chill.

The brass key felt heavy in my pocket, pressing against my hip.

Roman watched me from the top of the stairs, his face pale and drawn.