“Why are the cameras offline?" Caroline's voice was sharp as she stared at the blacked-out surveillance grid on her tablet.
Bryant's voice came tight through her earpiece. “Power's been cut. Backup generators are slow to kick in. Someone planned this."
“Status on the guards?"
“Missing patrols on the east wing. No response from the rooftop team."
Caroline turned, heart racing. “Bryant, where are you?"
“North corridor. Moving toward you."
She was already unlocking the panic room. Inside, screens blinked to life on auxiliary power. The manor map lit up, red zones blinking on the second and third floors.
Then—movement on the east stairwell.
She zoomed in.
A figure in black. Hooded. Moving fast.
“Bryant," she said, voice low, “he's inside."
“On it."
Caroline tapped into the override
