Chapter 26 - CUT OFF IN THE DARK
The ambient light from the spiral stairwell at the far end of Section G vanished instantly, plunging the surrounding corridors into complete, suffocating darkness, broken only by the sharp, narrow beams of their two halogen lanterns.
Daniel clicked his tactical radio to his collar, pressing the push-to-talk button.
"Dispatch, this is Unit Four-Seven on Sub-Level Three of the Records Building. We have a door closure on the basement access point. Confirm status of perimeter officers."
Static answered him—a high-pitched, warbling hiss that indicated a active signal jammer operating on local emergency frequencies.
"Dead air," Daniel said, unclipping his sidearm and releasing the safety latch on his holster. "The signal's blocked. Someone moved on this location the moment we bypassed the safety gate."
"They were watching the Archives," María said, her lantern beam sweeping the steel shelving aisles around them. "When we didn't return to the cruiser after thirty minutes, they realized where the key led."
Footsteps echoed from the far western corridor—heavy, deliberate boots moving across the wet concrete. There were at least three individuals, moving in a coordinated sweep pattern designed to flush occupants toward the dead-end wall of Section G.
"Put the ledgers and the tape box into the canvas bag," Daniel whispered to María, stepping to the edge of the iron mesh cage to cover the aisle. "We can't let these files stay down here."
María pulled a heavy nylon tactical duffel from her shoulder, swiftly packing the three leather volumes, the sealed metal box, and the tape recorder inside, zipping it shut with a sharp metallic slide.
"I’ve got the bag," María whispered, drawing her own service weapon with her right hand while holding the heavy duffel over her left shoulder. "Which way, Daniel? The main stairs are compromised."
"The old coal chute," Daniel said, pointing toward a low, iron-ringed archway at the far eastern corner of Section G. "It leads up into the service alley behind the old boiler room. It hasn't been used in forty years, but the iron ladder is anchored into the granite."
A flashlight beam cut through the darkness thirty yards down the main aisle.
"Harris!" a harsh, unfamiliar voice called out through the dark. "Drop the duffel bag and walk out with your hands up! You're operating outside your jurisdiction, Officer!"
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"That's not municipal police," María murmured, recognizing the non-standard tactical posture of the figure visible at the end of her beam. "That’s private security."
"Move to the chute, María," Daniel commanded quietly, stepping into the middle of the aisle to draw their focus. "Now!"
