“I can blow the hinges,” Marcus said, reaching for his tactical pack.

“No,” I said. “Use the service key.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small brass key that opened every door in this house.

I inserted it into the lock and turned it.

The lock clicked.

I kicked the door open, keeping my body low.

The study was dark, except for the blue glow of three computer screens.

A fourth mercenary was standing near the window, his rifle pointed directly at my chest.

Before he could pull the trigger, a shot rang out from the dark corner of the room.

The mercenary gasped, his gun slipping from his fingers as he collapsed onto the desk.

Nora stood in the doorway of the adjoining file room.

She was holding a small, silver revolver with both hands.

Her hands were shaking, but her face was set.

“I told you I would not let them take this house,” Nora said, her voice barely a whisper.

I walked over and gently took the gun from her hands.