The driver’s side door opened, and a figure in a heavy winter coat stepped out into the blizzard, carrying a dark canvas bag.

“He’s moving on foot,” Marcus said, checking his sidearm. “He knows the layout of the estate better than anyone.”

“I’m coming with you,” I said, reaching for my coat.

“No, Elena,” Pierce said, blocking my path. “You stay here. If he gets inside, you are the only one who can keep those girls hidden. Go to their rooms. Use the manual slide bolts on the inside of the doors. Do not open them for anyone but us.”

“The storm is getting worse,” Marcus noted, looking at the window. “Visibility out there is less than ten feet.”

He pulled a small black walkie-talkie from his belt and handed it to me.

“Channel four,” Marcus said. “Keep it on low volume. If you hear anything unusual in the hallway, you tell me immediately.”

“Be careful,” I said, my chest tight with terror.

Marcus nodded once, his expression grim. “I don’t let anyone touch those kids, Elena. Not on my watch.”