“I can stop this, Claire,” he said to me. “But I have to play their game.”

I looked from Adrian to Agent Miller, who was watching Adrian with cold calculation.

The wind rattled the glass in the window frame, a draft of cold air slipping through the seal.

Adrian turned his back to me slightly, leaning toward the agent.

“We need to talk about a deal, Miller,” Adrian said.

“I’m not negotiating with a syndicate boss under arrest,” Miller replied.

“You will if it’s the only way to keep her alive,” Adrian said.

He leaned in closer, his voice barely audible over the hum of the medical equipment.

“I know how Leo bypasses the hospital security,” Adrian said.

“And I know which of your transport agents is holding his keycard.”

Miller tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he studied Adrian’s face.

Before Miller could answer, the lights in the hallway suddenly flickered.

The steady hum of the fetal monitor died for a fraction of a second, then kicked back on with a low beep.

In the corridor, the heavy sound of boot steps echoed against the tiled floor.