On the main monitor, I switched the feed to the courtyard.

Caleb was running across the cold gravel toward his armored SUV.

Three of his hired mercenaries followed close behind him, their rifles raised.

I slammed my palm onto the master lock switch on the console.

Outside, the massive iron gates of the courtyard screeched as they slid shut.

The heavy steel bars locked into the stone pillars with a loud, metallic clang.

Caleb spun around, his boots skidding on the wet gravel.

He looked up at the security cameras, his face twisted in sudden panic.

I picked up my radio from my belt.

“Daniel, meet me at the courtyard entrance,” I said.

“I am already there, boss,” Daniel’s voice crackled back.

I walked away from the terminal, leaving Elena groaning on the concrete floor.

She stared at me with venom, but she was powerless now.

I didn’t look back at her as I exited the security room.

The air in the lower corridors was freezing.

My leather shoes clicked against the cold marble steps as I descended to the courtyard level.