Chapter 10
They reached the heavy steel fire door just as a shout echoed down the corridor. "Hey! You two! Stop right there!"
Leo shoved the panic bar hard, pushing the door open into the dark, echoing concrete stairwell. They tumbled through together, letting the heavy door slam shut behind them. Leo immediately engaged the mechanical deadbolt from the inside, locking the latch just as a heavy fist hammered against the exterior panel.
"Open up! Security!" a muffled voice yelled from the other side.
"Keep moving!" Leo pulled Mei toward the downward stairs.
Thirty-two flights of concrete stairs stretched out beneath them like a descending spiral. Their legs burned, their lungs screamed for oxygen, but they didn't dare slow down. They flew down the steps three at a time, the concrete walls echoing the thunderous sound of their rushing footsteps.
By the time they reached the twelfth floor, Mei stumbled, catching herself against the metal handrail with a sharp gasp. Her breathing was ragged, her white sneakers scraping against the abrasive concrete.
"I... I can't run this fast," she panted, clutching her side as a sharp stitch flared in her ribs.
Leo stopped, turning back to grab her arm and drape it over his shoulder, supporting her weight as they continued their rapid descent. "Just a few more floors. Kwan should have the van waiting at the bottom of the service ramp."
They maintained a punishing pace through the remaining levels, the air growing warmer and denser as they approached the ground floor. When they finally reached the heavy metal exit door leading to the loading dock, Leo cracked it open an inch, peering out into the dimly lit bay.
Kwan’s white delivery van was parked right by the exit bay, engine idling quietly with the rear doors propped open. Two dock workers were distracted by a shipment invoice near the front office, leaving the rear alley completely clear.
"Now," Leo whispered.
They slipped out through the door, darting across the concrete floor and diving straight into the back of the van. Kwan didn't hesitate—he slammed the vehicle into gear, tires screeching against the asphalt as he shot out of the loading bay and into the labyrinth of downtown streets just as the security alarm from the tower began to wail overhead.
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In the back of the swaying van, Leo pulled the matte-black flash drive and the union folder from his pocket, holding them up in the dim amber light of the cabin. They had the evidence. Now it was time to bring it to light.
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