“Where is the emergency release?” I asked, holding Leo tighter.

“Behind the shelving,” Lorenzo said.

He grabbed the edge of the heavy wire storage rack and pulled.

The metal frame groaned, bottles of formula rattling against each other.

With a sharp grunt, Lorenzo hauled the rack aside, exposing a small red metal box on the wall.

Inside the box was a heavy, mechanical lever.

“Stand back,” Lorenzo said.

I stepped into the furthest corner of the pantry, shielding Leo with my arms.

Lorenzo grabbed the lever with both hands and threw his weight downward.

A loud, violent metallic crack echoed through the small space.

The locking bolts inside the door frame retracted with a heavy thud.

Lorenzo pushed the door open, and a rush of cold, stagnant air from the hallway hit us.

The basement corridor was pitch black.

Not a single emergency light was active.

“Stay close behind me,” Lorenzo whispered.

He stepped out into the darkness, his boots making no sound on the concrete.

I followed him, my hand lightly touching the back of his wool coat to keep my bearings.