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Marquez takes the phone and answers on speaker.

“This is Special Agent Elena Marquez. Ivy Sinclair is with me.”

A man’s frightened voice comes through.

“We received a motion alert from Ms. Sinclair’s private storage room. The interior camera went offline immediately afterward.”

“Have the police been notified?”

“Yes. Officers are on their way.”

“Do not send private security inside. Keep everyone away from the building.”

Marquez ends the call and reaches for her radio.

Thomas stares at the single frame from my compass.

“Holt’s message wasn’t an order to move the film.”

I understand before anyone else does.

“It was a warning.”

Ben looks toward the dark windows.

“To whoever is already inside Ivy’s studio.”

15

CALLE

“Athief searches for what he understands. A wise man hides the truth inside what the thief overlooks.”

—James Sinclair

“To whoever is already inside Ivy’s studio.”

Ben’s words tighten every muscle in my body.

Agent Marquez speaks into her radio.

“I need San Francisco police responding to a burglary in progress at Ivy Sinclair’s studio. Possible suspect connected to an armed maritime smuggling organization. Advise officers not to enter alone.”

She turns to Commander Keating.

“I want your evidence team to remain with the frame from Calle’s compass. No one touches it without both of us present.”

Keating nods to one of his officers.

“Lock it inside the evidence case and return it to secured storage.”

“I’m going to the studio,” Ivy says.

“No,” Marquez answers.

“It’s my property. I know the building.”

“That makes you useful here, where the intruder cannot reach you.”