I walked out of the library and into the grand foyer.

The air in the house was heavy, smelling of old wood and expensive lavender polish.

Through the tall arched windows, I could see the blue and red lights of the federal vehicles flashing against the pine trees of the estate.

I held the tablet out in front of me.

The signal locator app showed a circular radar screen with a blinking blue dot.

The signal was coming from the upper levels of the mansion.

I walked toward the sweeping double staircase.

My boots made a sharp, rhythmic sound against the white marble floor.

I started up the left staircase, my hand sliding along the polished mahogany banister.

The house was unnaturally quiet, save for the distant sound of agents moving furniture downstairs.

With every step I took, the signal indicator on my tablet grew stronger.

It shifted from yellow to a bright, pulsing green.

“Ross, do you have a room location yet?” I whispered into my earpiece.

“The signal is strongest on the east wing of the second floor,” Ross said. “It’s near the old master suite.”