Outside, another heavy impact rattled the walls.

I could hear the sound of wood splintering from the lower level.

They were attacking the side kitchen door.

“Tessa,” Ryker said. His voice was calm, but his eyes were fixed on the security feed that just popped up on a secondary screen.

A group of men in tactical gear, carrying no police markings, were moving toward the back patio.

“Those aren’t cops,” I said, my breath catching.

“No,” Ryker said. “They are Gideon’s private security. They’re using the police raid as cover.”

“If they get inside—”

“They won’t,” Ryker said. He drew a sleek, black handgun from under the desk.

He checked the chamber with a practiced click.

“Ryker, no,” I said. “If you shoot, they’ll use it to justify everything.”

“I will protect my family,” he said simply.

The progress bar hit *98%*.

*99%…*

The screen flashed. *Transmission Successful.*

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

“It’s sent,” I said. “Miller has it.”

“Good,” Ryker said. “Now we survive long enough for him to read it.”

A massive explosion rocked the back of the house.