The low buzz of the phone by the bed woke Zach. It was the house's central alarm that was programmed to his cell phone. It meant the perimeter of their home had been breached. Zach opened the nightstand drawer and removed his Glock .45. Even in the dark room his hands knew the gun; he tested its weight and relished its familiarity.

Quickly he slipped on his slacks, placed his hand over Angel's mouth, and nudged her. He could see the whites of her eyes in the dark. "Follow me ...