The rhythmic, rubber-on-marble squeak of the stroller’s wheels echoed through the cavernous expanse of the cathedral.

It was the only sound in the world.

The millions of people watching the live broadcast from their phones, their televisions, and their office computers were entirely silent. The

The name hung in the air like a guillotine blade that had just been released.

*Arthur Croft.*

Desmond stopped struggling. The fight completely evaporated from his muscles, leaving him a hollowed-out shell on the marble floor. His jaw went slack, and his eyes glazed over, staring at the polished s

The echo of the heavy oak cathedral doors slamming shut resonated through the vaulted ceiling, a booming note of finality that swallowed the last of Desmond Vance’s pathetic screams.

For a long, suspended moment, the cathedral was entirely silent. The only sound was the low, electric hum of the br