The screen flickered with wild, static-filled lines, and then a voice crackled through the speaker.

“Boss, we have a breach at the rear stables,” the voice said, choked with panic. “Someone’s inside.”

The engine roared as Dante slammed his foot on the accelerator.

The SUV surged through the opening gates, tires spitting gravel.

“Stay in the car,” Dante commanded, his voice dropping to a low growl.

He reached under his dark coat, his hand coming back with a sleek, heavy pistol.

I did not argue.

My heart hammered against my ribs as we tore down the paved path toward the back of the property.

The headlights swept across a massive stone building that looked more like an old monastery than a barn.

Floodlights bathed the concrete courtyard in a harsh, artificial white glare.

Two guards had already drawn their weapons, circling the heavy timber doors of the structure.

Dante threw the vehicle into park before it had even fully stopped.

He kicked his door open and slid out into the cold night air.

I looked back through the glass at Vesper.