Chapter 5 - The Inside Man
Daniel coughed violently as the gas burned his lungs.
Victoria collapsed to her knees, clutching her throat.
"The manual override," she choked out, pointing to a panel near the ceiling.
Daniel climbed onto the server racks, fighting the dizziness overwhelming his brain.
He ripped the panel cover off with his bare hands.
He crossed the red and blue wires, causing a massive spark.
The steel door finally hissed open.
Daniel grabbed Victoria and carried her out of the toxic room.
They collapsed in the hallway, greedily breathing the clean, cold air.
The flash drive was safely tucked in Victoria’s pocket.
"We have the proof," Victoria gasped.
"But we cannot go to the local police," Daniel warned.
"Richard has enough money to buy anyone in this city."
Daniel suddenly remembered a crucial detail about his doomed interview.
"Only one person outside this company knew I was on that specific flight," Daniel said.
"The external recruiter who booked my tickets."
They stole a maintenance van and drove to the recruiter’s suburban home.
The front door was wide open, hanging off its hinges.
Daniel carefully stepped inside, his fists clenched tight.
The living room was completely destroyed.
The recruiter was tied to a chair in the center of the room, badly beaten.
Daniel rushed forward and untied the bleeding man.
"They forced me to give them your itinerary," the recruiter sobbed.
"I am so sorry, Daniel."
"Who forced you?" Victoria demanded.
The recruiter looked up with terrified, swollen eyes.
"Richard Vance and his private security team."
The recruiter grabbed Daniel’s arm with bloody fingers.
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"They know you survived the alleyway, Daniel."
"And they are on their way to Columbus right now to take your daughter."
