BENEATH THE VEIL OF ASHES AND BLOOD

""Victor!"" Julianna screamed, rushing toward the stairs as darkness engulfed them.

The beam of Clara’s flashlight swung violently, catching the frantic panic on Julianna’s face before settling on Victor, who had already drawn his weapon and sprinted up the stone steps.

Victor slammed his shoulder against the oak door, but it didn't budge. He fired two suppressed rounds directly into the deadbolt mechanism, wood splinters showering over him, but the reinforced iron plate on the exterior held fast.

""Someone barred it from outside,"" Victor grunted, his breathing heavy. ""The ventilation shaft is at the far back, but it’s too narrow for an adult.""

Clara remained at the bottom of the stairs, her heart thumping against her ribcage like a trapped bird. She kept the flashlight pointed at the charred metal tin. ""Richard couldn't have done this. He’s in federal detention downtown.""

""Then who knew about the safe?"" Julianna sobbed, sinking onto the stone steps. ""I didn't tell anyone! I swear I didn't!""

""Someone who was watching the estate,"" Victor said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. He aimed his flashlight toward the ceiling beams. A faint, sweet scent was beginning to drift down through the floorboards above.

Clara sniffed the air, and her blood ran cold.

""Kerosene,"" she whispered.

The smell intensified with terrifying speed. Through the floor joists overhead, they could hear the distinct sound of heavy liquid splashing against the hardwood floors of the ballroom above, followed by slow, deliberate footsteps pacing across the ceiling.

""Whoever is up there,"" Clara said, her voice dropping into icy focus, ""wants to finish what Richard started twenty years ago.""

Suddenly, a voice echoed down through the antique copper speaking tube mounted beside the cellar stairs. It was smooth, refined, and entirely devoid of remorse.

""You really should have left town after making your dramatic entrance, Clara,"" said Marcus Reed’s unmistakable voice. ""My family has too much capital invested in the Sterling merger to let an illegitimate street urchin reclaim the deed.""

Julianna stumbled to the speaking tube, her voice raw. ""Marcus! Please! I’m down here! Don’t do this!""