“They came prepared for a siege.”

“If I’m out here, I can negotiate.”

Before I could argue, a loud crash echoed from the end of the hallway.

Someone had kicked open the security door at the wing’s entrance.

“Nathan!” a woman’s voice called out, sharp and dripping with mock sympathy.

It was Vanessa.

“Don’t make this difficult, darling,” she said, her voice drawing closer.

“We just want the key.”

Nathan grabbed my shoulder and pushed me firmly into the panic room.

“Keep them quiet,” he whispered.

He hit the close button on the interior panel.

The heavy steel door slid shut with a pressurized hiss, sealing us inside.

Through the thick, bulletproof glass viewing window, I could see the playroom clearly.

Emma and Grace clutched at my winter coat, their small hands shaking.

“Is Daddy going to be okay?” Grace whispered.

“Yes,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“He’s just talking to them.”

“He’s going to make them leave.”

Outside the glass, the playroom door splintered.

Julian stepped into the room first, holding a heavy black handgun.