“I know about Project Vanguard,” I said.

My father paused.

His eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign that the blow had landed.

“You shouldn’t have dug into things you don’t understand,” he said.

“I understand black-market logistics,” I said. “I understand stealing weapons from active-duty depots and selling them to foreign buyers.”

Richard sighed, looking at Madison.

“Is this what you’ve been telling her, Madison?” he asked. “The girl who couldn’t even manage her own college tuition?”

“I saw the bank transfers, Dad,” Madison said, her voice stronger now. “I saw the accounts in Panama.”

“Accounts that keep this family afloat,” Richard said. “Accounts that pay for your lifestyle.”

“I don’t want your money,” Madison spat.

“You say that now,” Richard said. “But you’ve never had to live without it.”

He turned back to me, taking a step closer.

“Natalie, put the gun down,” he said. “We can talk about this like rational people.”

“Stay back,” I said, tightening my grip on the frame.

My phone in my pocket buzzed again.

It was a short, sharp vibration. A text message.

I didn’t dare look down.