Richard let out a long, slow breath.

The sudden panic vanished from his face, and his lips curled into a thin smile.

“Good,” Richard said, putting his phone back into his pocket. “You took your time.”

Mr. Hayes did not look at Richard.

He kept his eyes on Nathan, and then he looked down at me.

His face was pale under the flashing yellow light of the vault door.

“I tried to stop them, Nathan,” Mr. Hayes said, his voice dry and scratchy.

“Quiet, Hayes,” Richard snapped.

The three security guards spread out, their heavy boots scraping against the damp stone floor.

They blocked the only exit from the small room.

The air instantly felt colder and tighter.

I pulled the wool blanket higher over Lily’s carrier, shielding her face from the dust.

She stirred against my chest, letting out a soft, warm breath against my neck.

My heart beat so hard I was sure Nathan could hear it.

“Nathan,” Richard said, stepping closer to his son.

He pointed a thick finger at the altered trust document Nathan was still holding.