The next morning, Marcus Webb and a team of technicians arrived, transforming their residence into something approximating a high-security facility. Grace watched as they installed cameras, changed the locks, and connected panic buttons with a mix of fascination and contempt. This was her home, the sanctuary she had carefully developed, and it now looked like a crime scene waiting to happen.
"The bedroom panic button connects directly to 911 dispatch," Marcus explained, showing a tiny device that looked harmless. The kitchen, living room, and office all have them. "Press and hold for three seconds, and you'll get a police response within four minutes."
"Four minutes," Grace repeated, attempting not to consider how much damage someone could do in four minutes.
"The cameras feed to both y
