Chapter 9: The Stairwell

Wes read the text twice and then called his partner.

It rang four times.

"Tell me they're gone," Wes said.

"They left an hour ago," his partner whispered.

"Two of them, in the lobby, asking for you. They said it was a wellness check."

"A wellness check."

"Wes, they were Locke's security. The ones from the sixth floor."

"What did you tell them?"

"That you'd gone home hours ago." A pause. "Where are you?"

"The rig room. Fourth floor."

"Then stay there. I'll come get you in the morning."

"It's midnight. I'm not sleeping on a rig couch."

"Wes."

"I'll take the stairs," Wes said. "I'll go to your place. I'm not staying in this building."

He hung up before his partner could argue.

He picked up his bag and pulled on his coat.

The elevator did not answer when he pressed the button.

It showed a red light and the word LOCKED.

He stood and looked at it for a moment.

Then he went to the stair door and pushed it open.

The stairwell was grey concrete, lit by one dim bulb on each landing.

He started down.

On the third floor landing, the door above him opened quietly.

On the second, the door below him opened too.

Two men in black jackets stood on the steps, one above and one below.

"Mr. Brandt," said the one below, politely. "We're here to help."

"I'm fine," Wes said.

"We think you've found something that belongs to the company."

"I haven't found anything."

"The temple," said the man above him. "Where is it?"

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