Lily and Owen were sitting on a small sofa, wrapped in large gray blankets.

Mrs. Gable was sitting next to them, holding a book.

When Lily saw us, she jumped up and ran toward Ryker.

“Uncle Ryker!” she cried, throwing her small arms around his leg.

Ryker knelt down, his expression instantly softening as he pulled her into a tight hug.

Owen stood up more slowly, his eyes wide and anxious.

“Is the bad man gone?” Owen asked.

Ryker reached out and pulled Owen into the embrace.

“He’s gone,” Ryker said softly. “You’re safe now. I promise.”

I watched them, a lump forming in my throat.

They looked so small against the massive steel door of the panic room.

Ryker looked up at me over their heads.

His phone began to vibrate in his hand.

The screen lit up with an unknown number.

He stared at the flashing screen for a moment, his jaw tightening.

He slowly released the children and stood up.

He answered the call and pressed it to his ear.

“Voss,” Ryker said.

The room went dead silent.

I watched Ryker’s face turn to stone.