The lead disk was flat and smooth, without a scratch, and showed no marks from pliers or wire cutters.

I touched the steel wire lightly with the tip of my index finger, testing how taut it was against the frame.

The seal held tight, with no movement at all inside the iron notch.

The military tamper seals were completely intact, just as David had left them at his last inspection before he deployed.

I checked my watch: forty-seven hours and thirty-five minutes to go until the transport team turned onto Elmwood Lane.

A footstep creaked on the hardwood floor of the kitchen right above my head.