Chapter 10: The Interception
Elena exchanged a terrified glance with Marcus. The hospital’s corporate reach extended further than they had anticipated; closing a major transit hub was a power move that required immense political influence.
"They anticipated our route," Marcus said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "They knew we were heading for the federal building."
"What do we do?" Elena asked, gripping Leo tighter as the train began to decelerate through the dark tunnel.
"We get off at the stop before City Hall and walk the rest of the way," Marcus decided instantly, standing up as the automated voice announced the approaching platform for Grand Avenue.
The doors slid open, releasing a rush of humid air as commuters pushed past them onto the platform. Elena and Marcus moved with the crowd, ascending the concrete stairs toward the street level. The morning sunlight was blinding as they stepped out onto the bustling pavement of Grand Avenue. The federal building loomed three blocks away, its massive stone pillars standing like sentinels against the overcast sky.
But as they rounded the corner toward the main entrance, Elena froze. Two men in dark suits stood near the revolving glass doors, scanning the crowd with sharp, practiced precision. Corporate security, or worse, private mercenaries hired to intercept them before they reached the federal offices.
"Back into the coffee shop," Marcus hissed, pulling Elena and Leo toward the glass-fronted cafe beside the corner bookstore.
They ducked inside just as the bell above the door chimed softly. The warm aroma of roasted coffee beans and fresh pastries filled the air. The cafe was busy with office workers ordering morning lattes and breakfast sandwiches. Marcus led them toward a secluded corner booth near the back, shielded from the street view by a tall artificial ficus tree.
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"We can't walk through the front doors now," Elena said, her voice tight with frustration. "They're watching every entrance."
"There's a service exit in the back kitchen that connects to the alley behind the federal building," Marcus recalled, pulling out a small map of the downtown district on his phone. "If we can slip through the kitchen staff area, we can reach the inspector's office without crossing the plaza."
