I stepped out, the cold water instantly soaking through my thin blouse.

I pulled my bag tight under my arm, protecting the hard drive with my body.

I walked quickly toward the mouth of the alley, my heart hammering against my ribs.

As I reached the sidewalk, the blue and red lights of multiple police cruisers reflected off the wet asphalt.

They screeched to a halt in front of the gala’s main entrance, sirens wailing.

Officers in dark slickers jumped out, moving quickly toward the front doors.

I knew they weren’t there for Marcus.

They were there for Alexander, acting on the warrant Marcus had spent the last two weeks fabricating.

I stood in the shadow of a stone archway, watching the police disappear inside.

I was completely alone now.

The rain dripped from my hair onto my face as I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

The screen lit up, showing a single unread message from an unknown number.

The message was short.

“They are in the lobby. Stay where you are.”

My fingers shook as I stared at the glowing screen.