I showed the screen to Lorenzo as we reached the heavy iron door that led to the basement stairs.

He stared at the code, then looked at the electronic keypad mounted on the wall next to the door.

The small LED light on the keypad was blinking a steady, mocking red.

Lorenzo reached out and pressed the digits: 4, 4, 9, 2.

The keypad beeped once, a high, clear sound that seemed to ring out through the silent house.

The heavy magnetic lock released with a loud, metallic click.

Lorenzo slowly pushed the door open.

Below us, the stone steps descended into a pitch-black abyss.

A cold draft drifted up from the basement, carrying the smell of damp concrete and electrical wire.

From somewhere deep below, there was a faint, rhythmic clicking sound, like a fingernail tapping against glass.

Lorenzo took a deep breath, his hand coming out of his pocket, revealing the sleek black handle of a small handgun.

He didn’t look back at me as he started down the steps.

I gripped the iron handrail, my boots slipping slightly on the cold stone, and followed him into the dark.