Page 78 of Cold Target

The facility was a low concrete building set back from the road, surrounded by a chain-link fence and security lighting. She pulled into the parking lot. One other car sat near the entrance.

The security guard's, Ivy thought.Had to be.

She walked to the door, pressed the buzzer.

A moment later, a face appeared in the reinforced glass. Middle-aged man, heavy around the middle, wearing a uniform shirt and a mildly surprised expression.

He opened the door partway.

"We're closed," he said.

Ivy held up her credentials. "I know. I was here earlier today. I need to get back in."

He looked at the ID, then at her face, then back at the ID.

"It's three-thirty in the morning."

"I know what time it is."

"The archivist isn't here."

"I don't need the archivist. I know where the files are. I just need access."

He shook his head. "Can't do it. Policy. No access without staff present."

Ivy stepped closer. Not aggressive. Just close enough that he had to look at her instead of the door.

"This is a national security matter," she said. "Time-sensitive. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't critical."

"Then come back when we open."

"I can't wait that long."

He started to close the door. She put her hand on it. Not pushing. Just holding.

"Look," she said. "I understand you have rules. I respect that. But people are going to die if I don't find what I'm looking for. Tonight. Not tomorrow."

He hesitated.

"I'll sign whatever you need," she continued. "A waiver. A statement saying you're not responsible for any problems. Whatever covers you. But I need to get in there."

He looked at her for a long moment.

Then he sighed.

"Wait here."

He disappeared into the building. Came back two minutes later with a clipboard and a single sheet of paper.

"Sign this," he said. "It says I'm not liable for anything that happens while you're in there unsupervised. And you're responsible for any damage or mishandling of materials."

Ivy took the pen, signed without reading it.

He looked at the signature, then stepped aside.

"You've got until six," he said. "That's when the morning shift comes in."

"Thank you."