The moment Marco ordered the search of the ventilation system, the mansion shifted again.
Guards spread through the house in coordinated teams.
Flashlights cut through dark hallways.
Ceiling panels were pulled open.
Weapons remained ready.
Because now the threat wasn't outside the estate.
It was inside.
Vanessa stood beside the garage workbench, still holding the tracker device Adrian had planted beneath Gale's car.
The metal was warm in her hand.
Recently handled.
Recently active.
Which meant Adrian hadn't gone far.
Marco finished speaking into his radio and looked up toward the ceiling vent.
"I hate ventilation systems."
Vanessa smirked faintly.
"They're convenient escape routes."
Marco crossed his arms.
"They're also impossible to guard."
Vanessa nodded.
"Yes."
Gale stepped closer to the workbench.
"Explain."
Vanessa turned the tracker device over in her hand.
"He planted this."
"Yes."
"But it wasn't his only objective."
Marco frowned.
"Then what was?"
