A speaker grate mounted high on the wall crackled to life.

It was the estate’s old backup intercom system.

“Lauren,” Giovanni’s voice came through the speaker.

His voice was calm, almost conversational, but I could hear his heavy breathing.

“I’m here, Giovanni,” I screamed toward the speaker.

“The main gate is gone,” he said. “Vance’s heavy units are inside the courtyard.”

“Come down here,” I pleaded. “There’s room for you.”

“They have thermal scanners, Lauren,” he said. “If I come down, they will track my heat signature straight to the tunnel.”

“Giovanni, please,” I said, tears blurring my vision.

“Keep moving toward the river,” he said. “Do not stop for anything.”

In the background of his transmission, I heard the sound of glass shattering.

A loud, mocking voice echoed through Giovanni’s receiver.

“Giovanni!” Marcus Vance shouted. “Show yourself, old man!”

I froze, my hand pressing Luca tightly against my shoulder.

“I’m right here, Marcus,” Giovanni said, his voice dropping an octave.

“Where is the boy?” Vance asked. “Where is your legacy?”

“My legacy is none of your business,” Giovanni said.