I had to make sure Lucas and Owen were safe first.

I crept up the carpeted stairs, my heart pounding in my ears.

The door to their bedroom was closed.

I turned the handle slowly and peered inside.

The nightlight cast a soft blue glow over their twin beds.

Both boys were fast asleep, curled under their heavy blankets.

They had not heard a thing.

I closed the door gently and locked it from the outside.

At least they were safe for now.

I went back down the stairs, heading toward the study.

As I neared the hallway, I heard the sound of wood splintering.

It was coming from the back of the house, near the old pantry.

“Where is it, you old fool?” Vance’s voice barked.

It was muffled by the heavy doors.

I followed the sound to the back hallway.

The door to the butler’s pantry was wide open.

A single flashlight beam was cutting through the darkness inside.

I saw Vance.

He had his back to me.

He was wearing his expensive cashmere coat, but it was soaked with rain.