Prologue

He stood vigil, watching and waiting. A van pulled into the driveway, and two men emerged dressed in black, their faces concealed by ski masks. They approached the house with dark intent, their breath visible in the chill morning air.

He had to stop them.

Rushing to the front door, he reached out to turn the lock, but he was too late. The door opened, and the men entered. They motioned for him to stay silent. One pointed toward a staircase leading to the second floor and waited for an answer.

He lowered his eyes and nodded. Ashamed, he retreated to the kitchen.

He listened. Low voices, then a cry of protest followed by piercing screams. Almost as startling came silence, then heavy footsteps on the stairs. Was it over? No.

She burst into the kitchen, her face shifting from fear, to confusion, then rage as she realized the truth.

Already knowing he’d fail, he made a final protest. He would have fought to the death if he’d known it was the last time he’d ever see her.