I unscrewed the base slightly, slipped the second device inside the housing, and tightened it.

“Second active,” I said.

“Loud and clear,” Marcus said.

I left the library through the side door that led to the service corridor.

The air in the hallway was cold, smelling of old wax and fresh paint.

This house used to be warm, filled with the scent of lavender and Lily’s baby shampoo.

Now it smelled like an empty gallery.

I moved silently up the back stairs, keeping my weight on the outer edges of the steps.

The third step from the top always creaked.

I bypassed it easily, landing on the plush runner of the second-floor landing.

I could hear Grant’s voice coming from the master study at the end of the hall.

The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of yellow light spilling onto the dark carpet.

I crept closer, pressing my back against the wallpaper.

“The buyer in Zurich wants the signatures by midnight,” Grant was saying.

“What about the physical stock certificates?” Vanessa asked.

“They are in the safe behind the bookcase,” Grant said. “I am transfering the title deeds now.”