A lone police officer was running toward the vehicle, his flashlight beam bouncing off the snow.

One of Kane’s guards turned from the shipping crates and aimed his rifle at the officer.

“No,” I muttered.

I leaned over the yacht’s railing and took aim at the guard’s shoulder.

Before I could pull the trigger, a loud crack sounded from the far end of the pier.

The guard’s rifle flew from his hands, and he tumbled into the snow.

I looked toward the gatehouse.

Luca was standing near the chain-link fence, his rifle tucked against his shoulder.

He gave me a brief nod through the scope.

“Go, Boss!” he yelled over his radio.

“Get them out of here!”

I jumped from the railing, my boots striking the wet wood of the dock with a heavy thud.

The impact sent a shock of pain up my leg, but I kept my balance.

I grabbed Isabella’s arm and pulled her toward the shelter of the concrete pillar.

Eli was shivering, his small hands clutching the lapels of his mother’s old coat.

“Where is my mom?” he asked, his voice cracking.