“I will open the security gate for you,” Luis said.

I looked at Hannah.

“Hold Mia tight,” I said. “Keep the kids between us.”

We stepped out into the hallway.

The air was cool and smelled of floor wax.

We walked past the empty spot where the velvet box had been.

The service elevator was at the end of the hall, painted a dull gray.

I pressed the button, and the doors opened with a heavy groan.

We piled inside.

The elevator descended slowly, shaking slightly as it passed each floor.

No one spoke.

I could hear the soft breathing of the children.

The elevator reached the basement level and the doors slid open.

My gray SUV was parked directly in front of the exit.

Luis was standing by the driver’s door, holding his keys.

“Thank you, Luis,” I said.

“Go quickly, Mr. Collins,” Luis said, scanning the dark corners of the garage.

I loaded the kids into the back seats and buckled them in.

Hannah climbed into the passenger seat, cradling Mia.

I got behind the wheel and started the engine.