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“A medical delivery came forty minutes ago. Clean dressings, antibiotics, painkillers, and sealed medication packs for the medical room.”
“A medical delivery?” I ask as I hurry after Vera. She’s already several steps ahead.
Keys click beneath Abramov’s voice. “The order used Vera’s hospital account and Dr. Yelena’s electronic signature.”
“Real?”
“Vera’s login was compromised. Yelena’s signature was forged. The order came through a dormant New Harbor vendor account.”
I draw the pistol and check the chamber. “How did it clear the gate?”
“Every open box was searched. The sealed medicine bins went through the scanner, but one held a device disguised as a temperature monitor. It sent a copied access code to the outer service door.”
Vera stands several yards ahead, arguing with the guard who stopped her. I reach her, catch her arm, and pull her behind me.
An alarm sounds once, then dies. I take the next corner, Vera walking behind me.
“That got them into the delivery hall. The inner security door uses a different code.”
“Then someone opened it from inside, or they hid a second device near the lock before tonight.”
“Search the access panel, cameras, and wall fittings,” I tell him. “Look for fresh tape, damaged screws, fingerprints, or odd wiring.”
“Or a supply cart,” Abramov says.
“That too.”
“The courier company?” I ask.
“It’s real, but it took over two of Sable Crown’s old routes last month.”
I release the radio button and turn to the guard beside me. “Where did they get in?”
“West service hall,” he says. “Two men confirmed, maybe more. They’re moving toward the family rooms.”
“Stay on her left.” I check the corridor ahead and motion Vera forward. “She comes with me. No one separates us.”
The guard nods and follows close behind.
I press the radio again as we start toward the family suites. “We’re outside the office. Lock every door behind us and tell me which route reaches Misha fastest.”
“Take the inner hall past the glass corridor,” Abramov says. “I’m locking every door behind you.”
“Where’s Dmitri?” I ask, keeping the pistol at low ready as we move.
“He’s sealed every gate,” Abramov replies. “No vehicles can enter or leave, and his men have blocked the west service corridor.”
“Account for every guard, servant, nurse, driver, and contractor.”
“Dmitri and Dima are doing that now. Sergei, Roman, and their men are closing the garden and pool passages.”
“Tell Maksim to move Elena, Cara, Mikhail, and the others into the Women’s Wing. No one leaves until we know who opened that door.”
Vera looks at me. “What’s in the Women’s Wing?”
“The safest section of the estate.” I guide her around the corner.
The Women’s Wing sits behind reinforced walls with its own locks, hidden cameras, and a second exit. Elena controls access, and no man enters without her permission.
