I parked the sedan in the shadow of a closed delivery bay down the street.

I turned to the backseat and checked on the babies.

Luca was asleep, his tiny thumb tucked into his mouth.

Liana was still quiet now, her blue eyes wide and staring at the dark ceiling of the car.

I couldn’t leave them in the car.

If Leo’s men found them here, they would be defenseless.

I unbuckled their heavy infant carriers and lifted them both.

One in each hand, the plastic handles cutting into my palms.

I tucked my mother’s silver key into my pocket.

I walked quickly through the pouring rain, my boots splashing through deep puddles.

The cold water soaked through my jeans instantly.

I reached the heavy bronze side door of the bank.

A small brass keycard reader was mounted on the stone wall.

I pulled my mother’s old plastic access card from my wallet and swiped it.

The light on the reader blinked red, then turned a dull green.

The heavy door unlocked with a deep, mechanical click.

I pushed my way inside, pulling the heavy door shut behind me.