The phone buzzed again in his hand, a sharp vibration that seemed to echo in the room.

It was an email from his lead corporate attorney.

Then another text from his head of communications.

The storm outside seemed to grow louder, wind rattling the heavy glass panes of the kitchen doors.

I looked toward the hallway that led to the guest wing.

Lily and Owen were sleeping in the room we had hastily prepared.

Owen’s small, dirt-smudged teddy bear was tucked under his chin when I last checked.

They had no idea their names were being broadcast to the entire city.

“We need to call Marco,” I said.

“He is already working,” Ryker said.

He tapped his screen and put the incoming call on speaker.

The line clicked instantly.

“I see the news, boss,” Marco’s deep voice came through the speaker.

“Where are you?” Ryker asked.

“I am in my car, just crossing the state line into Indiana,” Marco said.

Static crackled over the connection, mixing with the sound of windshield wipers.

“I found a paper trail on Clara Vale.”

I leaned closer to the phone.