I pressed the phone closer to my ear.

The ringing stopped.

A sharp static click echoed through the speaker.

A deep, familiar voice answered.

“Ward,” the voice said.

“Colonel,” I said. “This is Arthur.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

“Arthur,” Colonel Ward said, his tone shifting instantly.

“I thought you were dead.”

“I need the Lantern,” I said.

“Are you sure?” Ward asked.

“There is no turning back once the signal is live.”

“Activate it,” I said.

I hung up the phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

I looked back down at the courtyard.

Ryan was forcing Emily up the steps of the helicopter.

The wind from the rotor blades whipped her hair across her face.

I reached the heavy steel door that led to the balcony overlooking the lawn.

I grabbed the handle and pushed.

The cold rain hit my face immediately.

I stepped out into the storm.

Behind me, the lights of the estate began to flicker.

A high-pitched tone sounded from my phone, indicating the beacon had begun its broadcast.