Chapter 3: The Lockdown Declaration
The security guards picked up their pace, moving down the final flight of steps to cut David off from the subterranean exit.
David did not retreat. He didn't blink. He lowered his body slightly, positioning himself directly over the hatch opening to shield Emma with his entire weight. He raised one hand, palm open, locking eyes with the lead guard.
"Nobody takes another step," David said, his voice dropping to an icy, deadly calm that froze the guards mid-stride.
For a second, the heavy mansion foyer fell utterly silent except for the crack of thunder outside. The guards hesitated; they recognized the look in David’s eyes. It was not the eyes of a lawyer ready to argue in court; it was the look of a man who had decided that dying to protect his family was an easy choice.
With his free hand, David subtly reached into his jacket pocket and pressed a key fob. It was the master override remote for the mansion's smart security system—a system David had installed himself two years prior.
A heavy metallic click resounded through the walls, followed by the heavy thud of steel security shutters slamming down over every exterior window and exit door. High-frequency alarm sirens began to pulse overhead, casting flashing red light across the grand staircase and illuminating the dust floating in the damp air.
"What did you do?" Arthur snapped, his composure slipping for the first time as the electronic locks engaged, trapping everyone inside the estate.
"I locked us in," David declared quietly, leaning down into the pit. "And I called the Federal Bureau of Investigation ten minutes ago when I picked up Lily. They have the warrant for the Sterling Financial servers, Arthur. This house is a crime scene."
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He leaned deep into the dark opening, shielding Emma completely. He stared straight into his wife’s terrified, tear-stained eyes with absolute, unwavering devotion.
"I've got you," he whispered softly. "I'm never letting go."
