Elena’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second.

“We have his codes,” she said.

“They work on the main gates.”

“The main gates are for show,” I said.

“The sub-level vaults operate on a separate grid.”

“If I don’t input the bypass code every twelve hours, the entire estate locks down.”

“The doors seal.”

“The air vents close.”

“You and Caleb will be trapped in a concrete tomb with nothing but the rats.”

She stared at me, trying to decide if I was lying.

Her silver pistol remained steady, pointed directly at my chest.

“You’re bluffing,” she said.

“Caleb lived here for five years.”

“He knows every inch of this house.”

“He knows what I let him know,” I said.

The flashlight beam in her hand flickered slightly as her grip tightened.

Behind her, the three mercenaries looked at each other.

They were professionals, but they did not sign up to be buried alive in a subterranean cellar.

“Check the radio, Elena,” I said.

“Ask Caleb if he has the access key for the lower reservoir pumps.”