“They have no ties to Gideon or the local political machine,” Ryker added.

His finger hovered over the enter key.

The local police sirens were deafening now, echoing off the stone walls of the courtyard.

“Do it,” I said.

Ryker pressed the key.

A progress bar appeared on the screen.

*Sending file 1 of 4…*

We stood in silence, watching the blue bar slowly fill the box.

*Sending file 2 of 4…*

Through the window, I could see two local police officers approaching the front steps, their flashlights cutting through the dark rain.

“They are at the front door,” Marco called out from the hallway.

*Sending file 3 of 4…*

“Hold them off, Marco,” Ryker said without looking up. “Give me thirty seconds.”

“I can’t obstruct them legally, Ryker,” Tessa warned.

“Then talk to them,” Ryker said. “Use your license.”

Tessa smoothed her jacket and walked out of the room toward the front entry.

*Sending file 4 of 4…*

The screen flashed.

*Transmission successful.*

Ryker pulled the black drive from the laptop and slipped it into his pocket.

The heavy front doors of the estate groaned as they were pushed open.