Lucy picks up the two assault rifles, lightweight and as precise as a laser beam. They shimmer in shades of silver, copper and green.

“I think it’s a cop,” Janet says. “What are the cops doing here?”

“Shit,” Lucy says. “Now what?”

I can’t make out what’s on split screen. It’s too far away. Janet touches the display and asks how she can help the person. Next I hear a man’s voice. He sounds familiar. When he starts coughing like a chain smoker I realize it’s the same state trooper who showed up here at the Gilbert house early this morning. I thought he’d gone home sick. I guess he didn’t but it sounds as if he should have. Trooper Vogel. I still don’t know his first name.

“Who am I speaking to, ma’am?” He coughs again as Janet answers him. “We got a report and want to make sure everything’s okay in there.”

“We’re fine,” Janet says. “What report?”

“Ma’am, I need you to open the gate. We’d like to come in just to be sure everyone’s okay.”

“Open it,” Lucy tells Janet.

“I’m opening the gate,” Janet says to the security monitor.

“We’ll see you at the front door,” Trooper Vogel says as Lucy uses her foot to shove ammo boxes across the floor to a workbench.

Then I see it again. Janet removes her phone from her waistband and types with her thumbs, probably unlocking the keypad. Instantly my display goes dark. The live-streaming stops. When I click on the link again it’s dead. I look up and am shocked to see Benton standing in the bedroom doorway, checking something on his phone, his earpiece winking bright blue. I stare at him, startled and alarmed. I have no idea how long he’s been there or why or how he got in.

“They’re safe, Kay.” Benton is dressed the same way he was when I left the house this morning. “Concord P.D., the state police, our agents are on Lucy’s property as we speak or are about to be with additional backup on the way.”

“The police are already inside the house?” I don’t believe that’s possible.

“They’re on the way.” He walks in.

“That’s not the same as being with them—physically being with them right this second. You know who we’re dealing with, Benton.”

“Lucy, Janet, Desi, Jet Ranger, everyone’s accounted for and safe.” His amber eyes are locked on me and he knows damn well who I mean. “Nothing is going to happen to them.”

“How can we be sure of that yet?”

“Because I’m telling you, Kay. They aren’t alone and won’t be.” He looks alert and unflappable but I have no doubt he’s been through it.