“We have three packages to move.”

There was only static in response.

Trevor frowned, pressing the button again.

“Marcus, do you copy?” he demanded.

“Bring the vehicle now.”

Still, nothing but the hiss of empty air came from the speaker.

One of the tactical guards shifted his weight, his heavy boots crunching on the gravel.

“Sir, the perimeter gates are closed,” the guard whispered, looking back toward the dark driveway.

“They should be open for the transport.”

A sudden, sharp vibration came from Charles’s wrist.

The small red light on his watch turned solid green.

Charles looked directly at Trevor, a cold smile touching his lips.

“You should have checked your security feed before you came out here,” Charles said softly.

Just then, the high-voltage floodlights along the outer brick wall flickered.

They died completely, plunging the courtyard into absolute darkness.

My father gasped, pulling me closer.

“Emily, where did the light go?” he cried.

“It is okay, Dad,” I whispered, though my heart was hammering against my ribs.

The only light left was the pale moon reflecting off the snow.