The estate was dark, but a single light flickered on the second floor.

It was Lily’s bedroom.

My chest ached as I looked up at the window, wishing I could just run up the stairs and hold her.

But I knew I had to be smart.

I pulled a handheld scanner from my pocket to check for active laser tripwires.

The screen remained clear, but a faint hum caught my attention.

I looked up at the eaves of the roof.

A new security camera, equipped with infrared night vision, was panning slowly across the lawn.

Vanessa’s upgrades.

I pressed my back against the cold brick wall of the garage, staying out of the camera’s sweep.

I needed to get to the main junction box.

If I could loop the feed, I would have ten minutes to plant the transmitters inside.

I crept along the side of the house, keeping low.

The basement window was just ahead.

Suddenly, the phone in my tactical vest buzzed against my chest.

I pulled it out, keeping the screen shielded.

It was an alert from Marcus.