The gravel crunched under my boots.

I reached into my pocket for my car keys.

Then my phone vibrated.

It was a text message.

I pulled it out, expecting a message from Thomas.

Instead, it was from Mark.

*Don’t bother driving away, Claire.*

I stopped in my tracks.

I looked around the dark driveway.

The headlights of my car were dark.

Then, the overhead security lights of the estate flickered and died.

The gate at the end of the long driveway groaned as it began to swing shut.

I ran back up the stone steps to the front door.

I grabbed the brass handle and pulled.

It didn’t budge.

The digital keypad next to the door beeped three times.

The small screen on the lock glowed red.

*Access Denied.*

I pressed my fingers against the keys, entering my personal code.

The machine beeped sharply, a harsh error tone.

I tried again, my fingers shaking from the cold.

The screen flashed the same message.

*Access Denied.*

Inside, the lights in the foyer suddenly went dark.

The heavy oak door remained locked tight.