The flashlight beam came closer, cutting through the darkness and illuminating the moisture hanging in the air.

I looked down at the twins, praying they wouldn’t make a sound.

Liana’s eyes were wide in the darkness, reflecting the distant light.

I reached into my pocket, my fingers wrapping around the small brass key I had taken from the diner’s safe.

It was useless as a weapon, but it was the only hard object I had.

The footsteps grew louder, squelching in the wet mud of the tunnel floor.

“I know you’re in here,” the voice said, closer now.

It was one of Leo’s men.

He must have gone around the outside of the house to cut off the exit.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my back pressed hard against the cold stone.

If I ran, he would hear me.

If I stayed, he would find me in seconds.

Then, a sudden, loud crash echoed from the direction of the study behind me.

The sound reverberated down the tunnel like a clap of thunder.

The flashlight beam jerked violently as the man startled.