“Just as your little underground network will be dismantled tonight,” he added.

“We have the city officials,” Richard boasted, raising his glass toward the lens.

“We have the port authority, the police commissioners, the federal judges,” Richard said.

“No one is coming to save you, Maya,” Camille said over the phone line.

On the screen, the red dot shifted from Noah to Lena’s cheek.

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

Marcus looked at his handheld tracker, his eyes widening.

“The sniper is on the southern ventilation shaft,” Marcus whispered.

“He is directly above the nursery wing,” Marcus added.

Isabella picked up a heavy tactical radio from the desk.

“Adrian, do you copy?” she said into the transmitter.

“The target is on the southern vent,” Isabella said. “They have a visual on the kids.”

A burst of static came through the radio, followed by Adrian’s deep, steady voice.

“I copy,” Adrian said. “We are at the eastern perimeter wall.”

“Salvatore is broadcasting from his primary estate,” Isabella told him.

“He is admitting to everything on an open digital feed,” Isabella added.