“Hold steady, soldier. I’ve got you,” Sterling murmured, his eyes locking onto mine, recognizing the exhausted stare of a combat commander.

Then he stood, leaving William to hold the pressure.

He turned and looked at the heavy wooden doors. He pointed at the four men in dark suits flanking the exits — his personal detail, all former Tier 1 operators.

“Lock the doors,” Sterling commanded. The timbre of his voice shook the crystal overhead. “Nobody leaves this room.”

The brass bolts slammed home with a deafening thud.

The trap was closed.