It was recording everything in high definition, capturing every angle of the deck.

Daniel banged his fist against the kitchen window. “You can’t lock us out of our own home!”

I picked up my phone from the granite counter and dialed a encrypted number I had not used in five years.

“This is General Mercer,” I said when the line picked up. “Activate my personal security protocol for the Lakewood residence.”

I looked through the glass at Daniel’s furious face as he continued to pound on the pane.

“And send my transport,” I added. “I am returning to active duty at headquarters.”

Daniel stopped banging, his hand frozen against the glass as his own phone began to ring.

Daniel lowered his hand from the glass and reached into his coat pocket.

His phone screen illuminated his face with a pale blue glow.

He stared at the display, his brow furrowing as he swiped to unlock it.

Beside him, Ava shivered in her thin sweater, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“What is it, Dad?” Ava asked, her voice high and strained.