Page 78 of Secret Mission

Tears well, as the woman twists her hand in the pocket of her scrubs. “I just pray he’s okay.”

“Do not feel responsible for him. He probably just got claustrophobic. We’ll find him.”

As we are moving down the hallway away from the distressed employee toward the security office, Allison glances around nervously. “Do you really think he could have just… left?”

“I’m not going to worry about Axle yet. Because I know he’s smart and capable. He’s a highly skilled covert operative.”

After an exhale, I realize I don’t have to hide behind a wall when Allison is concerned. “Truthfully, this doesn’t sit well with me. He’s an unknown now, since we’re not close.”

Frowning, she speeds her steps to keep up with Justice. “Hard to believe you are twins and are so different.”

“I wonder about that myself sometimes.”

When I sense a shift in her, she says, “I’m sorry you didn’t get to talk to him about… whatever is between you.”

I guess I’m sorry. But maybe I’m not.

Justice knocks on the door labeled Securidad.

A second later, it swings open and when it does, I know we’re out of luck.

A young guy holding a clipboard looks between the three of us. His uniform is squared away, but the office is ancient. Behind him are stacks of papers on a desk that was built in the 60’s. Not a single computer monitor. No live feeds. Nothing else but a plant that is drooping from thirst.

Eyeing us suspiciously, the man sets his clipboard down on the desk behind him. "Can I help you?"

His accent is thick, but his English is clear enough like most people in Vandemora.

Justice steps forward taking the lead. "We're looking for a patient. Adam Hart. He's missing from his room."

When Allison frowns toward me, I mouth, “Alias.”

She blinks rapidly and presses her mouth tight.

When I glance back at the guard, his brows are parked high, in a state of shock. "Missing? I don't think so."

Frustration edges my voice.

Security should know if a patient is missing.

"The nurse just told us he's not in his room."

He shrugs, glancing down at his clipboard, tapping his finger on a line on the page on top. "No reports of missing patients."

"We're reporting it now," Justice says, his patience visibly thinning. “What’s your protocol?”

The guard scratches his head with his pen. A groan tries to bust out of me.

"I need to fill out a form first.

Allison pushes past me, probably because she senses violence building in the air. "Sir, we don't have time for forms. Can you just tell us if you've seen anyone leaving the hospital who shouldn't be?"

The guard studies her for a moment as if he’s trying to understand why she’s wearing tattered, salt-water crusted clothing on top of muddy boots.

"No, señora. I've been here since six this morning. Many people come and go.”

"Are there any cameras at the exits?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

He looks offended. With a huff, he puts his hands on his duty belt. "We have excellent security. Two cameras."