the pristine white gravel of the

as bag clutched tightly to her chest. She kept h

ive oak front doors. The light from the crystal chan

a in the center of the living roo

e set the teacup down hard, her eyes raking over L

n the sweeping marble staircase. They pointed at Lana

anxiously on the frayed strap of her canvas bag, her thumb discreetly pressing a small, hard button hidden deep

didn't even look at Lana's face. He stoppe

d, his voice devoid of any warmth. "You wil

blinking rapidly

ntgomery is a vegetable. He's going to die any day now,

d has a stipulation. The funds remain locked until h

g lethal. "You have no right to refuse. I

ars into her eyes. "Please, don't do thi

butler. "Take her to the guest room. Lock

gging her up the stairs and down a long

y door slammed shut. The deadb

nter of the room. Sh

ight. The pathetic, fearful girl was gone,

a hidden compartment. She pulled out a device t

the tip. She swept the room, scanning the walls, the

er palm when she pointed it a

Instead, she peeled a microscopic audio-jamming sticker fro

plastic watch, pulling a hair-thin data cable from beneath

lack, then filled with line

e of commands, open

voice came through the spe

ntgomery's trust fund," Lana ordered, her

od," Elon

the window, looking down at the securi

corners of her mouth. "Le