Lenora seized the cassette tape from my hand.
“You should have remained invisible,” she said.
Then every light in Vale House went out.
In the darkness, a man’s voice came through hidden speakers.
Calm.
Warm.
Impossible.
“Good evening, Lenora.”
My heart stopped.
It was Carl.
PART 6 — CARL’S FINAL GAME
Emergency lights flashed red along the floor.
Everyone froze.
Carl’s voice continued through the speakers.
“Before anyone panics, this is a recording. Though I admit I would enjoy seeing Lenora’s expression.”
Despite the fear twisting through me, I almost laughed. It sounded exactly like him—gentle, dry, one move ahead.
Lenora looked toward the ceiling.
“How did he access this system?”
Daniel pulled free from the distracted guard.
“Carl designed it.”
“What?”
“This house’s original security network,” Daniel said. “Twenty-five years ago, before you dismissed his company.”
Lenora’s eyes narrowed.
The speakers crackled.
“Claire, if this message has begun, the emergency protocol hidden in the tablet has detected that you entered Vale House. I’m sorry for leading you into one final game without your permission.”
