Liam hit the button for the basement level.

He jammed his hand onto the *Door Close* button.

Through the narrowing gap of the elevator doors, I saw the grey double doors swing open.

A man in black tactical gear stepped into the hallway.

His eyes locked onto mine just as the metal doors clanged shut.

The elevator jolted, then began to descend.

My hands were shaking so hard I almost dropped the bag.

“They have the police,” I whispered, looking up at Liam.

“How did he get out so fast?”

Liam kept his eyes on the floor indicator lights.

“The Chief of Police is on Apex’s payroll, Claire,” Liam said.

“You know how deep Ethan’s pockets are.”

“But the federal warrant,” I said.

“A local judge signed an emergency stay,” Liam replied, his jaw tight.

“Ethan has friends in high places who owe him their careers.”

The elevator bumped to a halt in the basement.

The doors slid open to reveal a damp, concrete parking garage reserved for hospital staff.

The air was cold and smelled of damp earth and exhaust fumes.