The gray sky cast a somber light over the modern furniture and polished concrete floors.

“Welcome to the safest square mile in New York,” Alexander said.

He walked to a sleek touch-screen panel embedded in the concrete wall near the entrance.

The screen glowed bright blue, displaying the Sterling Security logo.

He placed his hand on the glass.

*Biometric scan complete. Welcome, Mr. Sterling,* a synthesized female voice said.

“I am setting the system to lockdown mode,” Alexander said, tapping the screen. “Only my voice and my biometrics can override it.”

A soft chime echoed through the penthouse as the smart-blinds automatically lowered over the massive windows, blocking out the city lights.

The heavy steel deadbolts on the entry door clicked into place with a mechanical thud.

“You are safe here,” Alexander said, turning to look at me.

I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding for years.

Noah walked over to a leather sofa, while Lucas began exploring the kitchen island, touching the marble surface.

Suddenly, the screen on the wall flickered.

The blue light turned to a dull, pulsing amber.