On the desk, Dr. Vance’s office phone began to ring.

The phone kept ringing.

The red light on the console blinked in rhythm with the shrill sound.

I stepped back, keeping my weapon leveled at Dr. Vance.

“Don’t touch it,” I said.

He stared at the flashing light, his face pale under the fluorescent tube.

On the screen, Tessa raised her phone to her ear.

She looked directly at the security camera in the terminal lobby.

She knew I was watching.

I reached over and hit the speakerphone button.

Tessa’s voice filled the small, sterile office.

“Rowan,” she said.

Her voice was calm and steady.

“I know you are down there with Dr. Vance.”

I did not answer.

I looked at Maren on the monitor.

Her hands were tied tightly behind her back.

One of the guards nudged her shoulder with his boot.

“If you do not pick up the handset, Rowan, my men will start hurting her,” Tessa said.

I picked up the receiver.

“I am here,” I said.

“Good,” Tessa said. “Now, put Dr. Vance on the line.”

I pressed the mute button on the receiver.