A pair of massive iron gates appeared in the headlights.

Richard pressed a button on his visor, and the gates began to swing inward slowly.

Two men in dark suits stepped out of a small security guardhouse, nodding to Richard as we passed.

One of them shone a flashlight toward the tree line, scanning the dark woods.

The sight of them eased the tight knot in my chest, if only a little.

We drove up a long, winding gravel driveway lined with low landscape lighting.

The house was a large, classic brick estate, its windows glowing with warm, yellow light.

Richard parked the car in the circular driveway.

The engine cut out, leaving only the sound of the rain tapping against the windshield.

“We are safe here,” Richard said, turning to look at me in the dim cabin light.

He got out of the car and opened the rear door.

Olivia and Grace blinked against the sudden light, rubbing their eyes.

I gathered Lily in my arms.

She was still fast asleep, her head heavy against my shoulder.

The heavy oak front door opened before we even reached the steps.