“Nina, lock the service door we just used,” Marcus ordered. “Sofia, get behind the bed. Do not let anyone see you.”

I ran toward the back hallway, my heart pounding in my ears.

As I reached the door that led to the greenhouse, the bright beams of multiple headlights cut through the dark glass, illuminating the wet leaves of the exotic plants inside.

Three large, black SUVs had just bypassed the security gate and were rolling slowly onto the gravel driveway.

I quickly turned the heavy brass key in the lock, securing the back door just as the vehicles came to a halt.

Through the glass, I saw the doors of the lead SUV open.

Several men dressed in heavy rain gear stepped out, holding short-barreled automatic rifles under their coats.

And walking right behind them, holding a large black umbrella, was Luca Romano.

I backed away from the locked door, keeping low behind the shadow of a large, leafy fern.

Outside, the headlights cut through the heavy rain, casting long, shaking shadows across the wet stone of the greenhouse.