I walked to the window and looked out at the rain-slicked street.

A black sedan was parked across the road, its headlights off.

I knew Celeste’s investigator was inside.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

The vibration felt like a jolt of electricity against my leg.

I pulled it out.

It was a text message from Marcus.

*The lab results are being finalized.*

*I will have the hard copy in an hour.*

I stared at the screen.

Noah and Lila.

The memory of their small faces in the Maine sunlight flashed in my mind.

They looked so much like me at that age.

If the DNA test came back positive, my life would change forever.

Celeste’s threats would no longer matter.

I would have to choose between the empire I built and the children I lost.

The wind rattled the windowpane.

I put the phone back in my pocket.

I needed to get to Marcus before Celeste’s people intercepted him.

I walked out of the library and went to the back door.

I did not take my coat.

The cold rain hit my face as I stepped into the alley.