He turned a corner and found a metal door with a keypad. No camera, but the keypad had fresh smudges. He didn't hesitate. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tool Elias had given him, a small device that could mimic keystrokes once calibrated. He attached it to the pad, waited for the light to turn green, and stepped inside.
The room beyond was colder. A concrete box filled with monitors, maps pinned to the walls, and several black cases stacked against a desk. In the center, chained to a chair, sat Liam. His head hung low, but he was breathing. Jude moved quickly, checking the boy's pulse and cutting the restraints. Liam stirred, eyes fluttering open in confusion and fear. Jude didn't speak. He motioned for silence and helped the boy to his feet. They moved fast, but not fast enough.
The alarm blared.
