The landline on his desk started ringing, a loud mechanical double buzz that sounded three times and then quit.

“That was the gatehouse calling,” Ethan said.

“Then pick it up.”

“The gatehouse line doesn’t go dead unless somebody’s cut the main power box,” he said.

Outside the office window, four big black SUVs rolled silently across the manicured lawn, skipping the paved circular drive altogether.

The heavy oak front door banged open against the inside wall with a splintering thud that rang through the downstairs hall.

Victoria walked out into the main foyer, her heels clicking sharply on the polished floor.