Then I had an idea. Risky. Reckless. But the only shot I had.
But if it wasn't convincing enough…. I'm screwed.
I pulled the mask down tighter over my face, straightened my shoulders, and just as the door swung opened I stepped forward like I'd just arrived.
"Room's clear so far," I muttered in a low, forced voice, faking the flat tone I'd heard other guards use.
They barely looked at me.
Instead, they flooded the room. Scanning every corner. One of them opened a drawer, another bent to check under the desk. One ran a finger across the dusty floor like they were looking for a trail.
I slipped out.
And just like that…I was back in the hallway.
"Phew! That was close." I muttered.
My heart was hammering against my ribs. Sweat ran down my spine.
I knew the cameras were watching.
It was only a matter of time before they connected the dots. Checked which guard was supposed to be assigned to that wing. Realized #113 never signed in. Realized the real one hadn't checked out.
