It had reinforced steel doors and its own independent power grid.

If we could get the girls in there, we would be safe.

“Let me see the signature on those papers,” Nathan said, stepping away from the stairs.

He reached out his hand, his fingers trembling slightly.

Julian smirked, thinking he had won.

He stepped forward, holding the document out.

“See for yourself,” Julian said. “It’s all perfectly legal.”

As Julian reached out, Nathan didn’t take the paper.

He grabbed Julian’s wrist and yanked him forward with sudden, explosive force.

Julian stumbled, losing his balance and crashing into the lead guard, Harris.

“Run!” Nathan yelled at me.

I didn’t hesitate.

I dropped the milk bottle onto the stone floor.

The glass shattered, splashing white liquid across the dark slate.

I spun around and bolted up the back stairs, my socks slipping slightly on the polished wood.

Behind me, I heard the sound of a heavy scuffle.

A man grunted.

A wooden chair overturned with a loud crash.

“Get her!” Julian screamed from the foyer. “Don’t let her get to the kids!”