We pulled up to the side entrance of the administrative building where Michael’s unit was stationed.

The building was dark, except for a single light burning on the third floor.

That was Michael’s office.

I checked my watch; it was nearly twenty-two hundred hours.

We got out of the SUV, carrying one of the green storage bins between us.

The heavy glass doors of the building were locked, but my security badge cleared the scanner.

The electronic lock clicked, and we stepped into the quiet lobby.

Our footsteps echoed on the tile floor as we headed toward the elevator.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and we stepped inside.

As the elevator ascended, the tension in my shoulders grew.

This was the brother I had protected when we were children.

The brother who had stood by and watched our mother systematically erase my existence.

The elevator doors slid open on the third floor.

At the end of the long hall, the door to Michael’s office was slightly ajar.

A shadow moved across the frosted glass panel.

I signaled to Hayes to stay back with the bin.