“Authorize a federal lockdown of that airspace immediately,” I said.

“I am trying, but the charter is registered under a foreign diplomatic waiver,” Miller said. “We need eyes on the ground before the FAA can legally ground them.”

“I am six minutes out,” I said, flooring the accelerator.

The SUV’s engine roared as I navigated the slushy turns of the highway on-ramp.

Snow started to fall, fat white flakes splatting against my windshield.

The wipers groaned as they swept the moisture away, revealing the gray expanse of the highway ahead.

I checked my rearview mirror, seeing the flashing blue and red lights of three state trooper vehicles joining the pursuit behind me.

“Tell them to hold their perimeter,” I told Miller. “If Grant sees a blockade, he will panic.”

“He is not the one in charge, Evelyn,” Miller said. “Our intelligence indicates Vanessa is pulling the strings.”

I knew Vanessa’s methods all too well from my days undercover.

She did not leave loose ends, and she did not hesitate to discard people when they became liabilities.

My mind raced with images of Lily, frightened and silent in the back of that dark van.