The following afternoon, I was in the garden with Ethan, enjoying the warm weather while helping him work on a drawing. For the first time in a long while, the day felt peaceful.
That peace shattered when the head of security came running toward us. His face was tight with urgency. "Ms. Halberg, we've got a problem!"
I was on my feet instantly. "What happened?"
"Three suspects are moving in simultaneously. One from the east gate, one from the south entrance, and another from the rear access point. It looks coordinated."
A chill ran through me. Without wasting a second, I pulled Ethan into my arms. "Initiate the emergency protocol now!"
Almost the moment I gave the order, two men dressed entirely in black burst into the garden.
Their faces were hidden behind masks, and stun batons fla
