My six-year-old daughter woke me at 4:03 in the morning with both shoes already tied.

Rain poured down as I sprinted through the dark alley, holding Sofia tightly against my chest. Her small arms were locked around my neck, her breathing rapid against my ear. Behind us, I heard footsteps splashing heavily through the puddles, followed by the metallic click of a firearm being racked.

"Vance!" a thick, gravelly voice echoed down the alley. "Stop running! You have something that belongs to my boss! Give us the account access, and the kid walks!"

I didn't slow down. I ducked into an intersecting alley, weaving through the maze of commercial dumpsters behind a strip mall. I knew I couldn't outrun a trained hitman while carrying a child for long. I needed leverage, and I needed an advantage.

I pulled out my phone. It had three percent battery remaining. I dialed Detective Vance's direct line.

"Vance!" he answered on the first ring. "Where are you? The motel unit isn't responding!"

"Kowalski found us," I gasped, ducking behind a massive metal recycling bin. "They knocked out your officers. We're behind the shopping plaza on Sawmill Road. I have three percent battery. Listen to me!"

"David, stay down, we are rolling units to your location right now!"

"No, listen!" I pressed my back against the cold metal bin, wiping rainwater from my eyes. "They want the money in the Apex account. Katherine set up a double-blind wire transfer. I know how to track the destination server—I designed financial software for a living! I can draw Kowalski into a trap, but you have to be ready!"

"What are you planning?" Detective Vance asked.

"I'm going to set a lure," I whispered. "Tell Agent Hayes to let Katherine know that I'm unlocking the funds from my phone right now. Kowalski will get an automated confirmation ping on his phone from the syndicate's server. When he checks it, his location will broadcast."

"That's high risk, David!"

"It's the only way to save my daughter!" I said. "Do it now!"

The phone went dead. Zero percent.

I slid the dead phone into my pocket and looked down at Sofia. Her eyes were wide, but she didn't cry. "Daddy, I'm scared," she whispered.

"I know, baby. I am too," I whispered back, kissing her forehead. "I need you to climb inside this empty recycling bin. It's dry, and it's safe. Stay completely quiet, no matter what you hear. Can you do that for Daddy?"

She nodded bravely. I lifted her gently over the rim and lowered her inside, covering her with the dry blanket. "I'll be right back for you. I promise."