Chapter 135: EMPLOYEE EXIT

Walter led them to a smaller side gate used by staff. A single lamppost illuminated a sign reading "EMPLOYEE EXIT."

A guard booth, vacant at this hour, flanked the locked gate. He pressed a passcode on the pad, but the screen flashed red—access denied.

"Strange," Walter murmured. "My pass should work around the clock." He tried again, same result.

Lenora's scowl returned. "They must have revoked your clearance. Possibly on Councilor Mann's orders."

Walter's eyes darted nervously. "How could they do that so fast?"

Luke folded his arms. "It means we're on the right track. They're shutting out anyone who might uncover the tampering."

Lenora clicked her tongue in frustration. "So we can't talk to the staff from inside. They're probably quarantined for the night."

A wry half-smile crossed her face. "Luke, do you happen to have some…special ways to slip in unnoticed?"