He tossed it onto the bed next to the tablet.

“That won’t save you,” he said.

On the nightstand, my phone vibrated against the wood, the screen lighting up.

A notification from an encrypted messaging app popped up on the lock screen.

It was from Ana.

*Files decrypted. The warrant is active. We are entering now.*

I looked up just as the bedroom door was kicked fully open, hitting the wall with a loud bang.

A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted by the bright lights from the hallway.

“State Police! Hands where I can see them!”

Three troopers in heavy tactical gear pushed into the room, their weapons raised.

The lead officer had his sidearm pointed directly at Mark’s chest.

Mark slowly raised his hands, his face blank and devoid of the rage he had shown seconds before.

“Step away from the bed,” the officer ordered, his voice cutting through the damp air of the bedroom.

Mark took two steps back, his heavy boots dragging against the dark hardwood floor.

Behind him, Yasmin shrieked as a female officer blocked the dressing room door.