“Yes. Arthur was looking for a passcode or a deed. What is it?”

“I don’t know yet,” Daniel said. “But the name appeared in a locked file on Evelyn’s personal computer. It’s encrypted under a maritime registration code.”

“We need to find it,” I said, looking down at the messy desk.

“Emily, I hear something outside,” Daniel said suddenly. “Are you alone?”

“My father went downstairs,” I said, my heart beginning to race again. “I think he went to the basement or the kitchen.”

“No, Emily,” Daniel said. “I’m parked down the street. I just saw a second car pull into the driveway. It didn’t have its headlights on.”

I froze.

I reached over and switched off the desk lamp.

The room plunged back into darkness, saved only by the pale moonlight coming through the window.

“Who is it?” I whispered.

“I can’t see,” Daniel said. “But someone just got out. They’re walking toward the side door.”

The side door.

The door I had left unlocked.

A floorboard creaked downstairs.

It wasn’t the slow, heavy step of my father.

It was a quick, confident stride.