Their eyes scanned the corridor, passing over the nurse’s station.

If they saw me, Daniel would have me escorted out, and I would never get close to Helen’s records again.

I turned my back to the hallway and stepped into the nearest utility closet.

The room smelled of bleach and damp mops.

I pressed my ear against the cold metal door, holding my breath.

Outside, the heavy thud of leather-soled shoes grew louder, then faded as they headed toward the elevators.

I waited thirty seconds, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I slipped out of the closet and walked quickly in the opposite direction.

I found the fire exit, pushed the heavy bar, and ran down the concrete stairs.

The cold air of the parking garage hit my face.

My hands shook as I unlocked my old sedan.

I sat in the driver’s seat, staring at the crumpled piece of paper in my palm.

The ink was slightly smudged from my sweat.

*Evelyn Vaughan. 1422 Reservoir Road.*

I started the engine and backed out of the space before the guards could circle down.