Julian wiped his face with the back of his sleeve, smearing the spit across his cheek.

“Can they do that?” Julian asked, his voice trembling.

“They just did,” Harris said.

He showed the screen to Julian.

A user named *TechSleuth* had posted a live map tracking the GPS ping of Julian’s rental car.

It showed a red dot blinking near the old barn on my property line.

“They’re calling the state police dispatcher directly,” Harris said.

His voice had lost its calm, authoritative tone.

“They’ve got the license plate, the VIN, and my rental agreement name,” Julian said, his voice rising.

“Shut up,” Harris said.

He looked around the kitchen.

The blue light of the smart-fridge flickered.

On the screen of the refrigerator, a message popped up in bold letters.

*System override initiated by external user.*

The smart-lock on the back door clicked.

Then the front door lock clicked.

“What is that?” Julian asked, spinning around toward the hallway.

“They’re unlocking the house,” I said. “They’re making sure the police can get in.”

The kitchen lights suddenly flashed on.

The bright overhead LEDs blinded me for a second.