The sound of squealing tires outside the warehouse was a death knell for Arthur’s fragile plan. Panic, raw and absolute, seized him. He grabbed Linsy, yanking her back against his chest, and pressed the cold edge of the knife to her throat.

“They’re here! You led them here!” he hissed in her ear, his breath hot and reeking of fear.

Linsy froze, every muscle taut. She could feel the sharp sting as the blade nicked her skin, a warm trickle of blood tracing a path down her neck. Her ...