I kicked the drive across the floor, away from his reach.

I shoved him against the wooden workbench, keeping my weapon pressed against his shoulder blade.

“Don’t move,” I said.

Heavy footsteps sounded on the gravel outside the carriage house.

Flashlights sliced through the darkness, illuminating the falling rain.

Three soldiers in black tactical gear entered through the open back door, their rifles raised.

“Secure the room,” the lead sergeant called out.

The soldiers moved quickly, forcing Arthur to the ground and securing his hands in heavy plastic zip-ties.

Another soldier stepped toward Grant, who immediately put his hands in the air.

“I didn’t know,” Grant stammered as the soldier pushed him against the wall. “Allison, tell them. I was trying to stop him.”

I lowered my pistol and placed it back in its holster.

“Take them to the transport,” I said.

“Yes, Colonel,” the sergeant replied.

I picked up the silver thumb drive from the floor and placed it in my pocket.

The rain was coming down harder now, drumming against the tin roof of the carriage house.