Lilith Mabus is in her late husband’s private office, seated before a wall of computer monitors. The upper two rows are real-time links being broadcast from NATS—Nanosat Trailblazer Spheres—cluster satellites, no larger than a basketball. Thousands of these spheres orbit the Earth, scanning every square inch of the planet.

Despite NATS extensive coverage, the alien starship is nowhere to be found.

‘Computer, replay security sequence.’

Another set of screens activate, revealing different angles of the perimeter security fencing surrounding Hangar 13.

The figure of a dark-haired man appears on screen. He crosses the compound and heads for the fence. Pauses, then practically vaults over the steel barrier before disappearing into the night.

Lilith’s azure eyes widen. ‘Computer, rewind and replay sequence at half speed.’

The image begins again.

‘Freeze. Focus on subject’s face. Increase magnification by ten.’

A blue square frames the man’s face, expanding and focusing.

The image of Samuel Agler appears on screen, frozen in time.

Jacob’s twin … the dark-haired one still lives! ‘Computer, identify subject.’

SAMUEL AGLER, IDENTIFICATION 13-9-23-FL-742-45-M. SUBJECT IS A PCAA ATHLETE CURRENTLY ENROLLED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI.

Lilith claps her hands in delight. ‘Samuel, “the Mule” Agler is Immanuel Gabriel? Computer, tap into all government resources and communication links. Check identifications in all storm shelters and every mode of transportation. I want Samuel Agler found before dawn.’

Delray Beach, Florida
7:50 a.m.

Super-Cane Kenneth’s fury rips across South Florida’s landmass like a mad bull, uprooting trees, peeling away antiquated tile roofs, churning the community beneath a blizzard of wind and water.

Guided by its autopilot, the black stretch limousine finds its way through the storm, eventually arriving at the estate registered to Frank Stansbury. The vehicle parks itself beneath the huge porte cochere. A woman dashes for the front door.

Dominique shakes water from her hair, then hugs Ennis Chaney. ‘Where is he?’

‘In the shower. His fiancée’s here, too.’

‘Lauren’s here? Has he told her?’

‘He said he would.’

Lauren enters the foyer, dressed in a sweat suit. ‘Has he told me what? Who are you?’

Dominique turns on a smile. ‘I’m Immanuel’s mother. It’s so good to finally meet you.’

Lauren looks lost. ‘Immanuel? Who’s Immanuel?’

‘I am.’ Manny exits the bathroom.

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Lauren, this is my real mother, Dominique Gabriel.’

‘Gabriel? Immanuel Gabriel …’ She makes the connection. ‘Oh, no … oh my God—’

‘Lauren—’

She pushes him away, then covers her mouth, fighting to breath. ‘But you’re dead. And Sam … who’s Sam—’

‘Calm down and listen—’

‘You lied … all these years.’

‘I had to. Can you understand that I had to lie? If word got out—’

‘We have to go,’ Chaney announces.

‘Go where?’ Dominique and Lauren ask in unison.

‘Jacob’s given me very explicit instructions. We’ll take your limo. Dominique, Manny, let’s go. Lauren, you’re supposed to stay here.’