The Arrest
After speaking with a 9-1-1 operator, Evangeline found a security guard to disable the alarm. “Where’s Uncle Charlie?” she asked him.
“No idea.”
“Please lockdown the exit doors so no one can leave.”
“I’m not authorized to take orders from anyone but the director.”
“I’m a federal agent and I need this place locked down,now.”
“Show me your badge.”
Dammit. “I don’t have it with me.”
He shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t help you.”
Frustrated, Evangeline tapped her earpiece. “Sin, where are you?”
“Basement,” he replied.
“First responders are on the way. The guard won’t secure the building without Charlene’s authorization.”
“If she bolted, she’s long gone,” Sin said. “My gut tells me she’s hiding. There are several storage rooms down here packed with old furniture. Sanchez, how’s Hannah doing?”
“She appears unhurt. I’ll ask a paramedic to examine her.”
“And the infant?” he asked.
“He seems fine. I’ll have him checked, too.”
“I’ll search the kitchen until the cops get here,” Evangeline said.
“Once I’m done down here, I’m heading upstairs,” Sin said. “A guard told me her office is on the top floor, along with the exam rooms, and the birthing and surgery centers.”
“I’ll keep you posted,” Evangeline said. As she entered the dining area, she pulled her Glock. The eerily quiet space was designed like a high school cafeteria. Long tables with built-in bench seats filled the room. No Charlene, so she entered the large, commercial kitchen.
Silence surrounded her. The workstations were clear of clutter and the stainless-steel countertops spit-shine clean. She opened each of the lower cupboards revealing nothing but pots and pans.
The oversized, walk-in pantry was stocked with pasta, canned goods, bottled juice, and snack bags. As she started to close the door, she thought she heard a sound, so she stopped to listen.
After several seconds, she heard a sniffle. Her gut told her the person hiding in there was not Charlene. “Why don’t you come on out?” Evangeline called.
Silence.
“Everything’s okay. I can escort you back to your room, if you’d like.”
A woman stepped out from the shadows, her small hands over her large baby bump. “Am I in trouble?”
“What’s your name?”
“Angel.”
“Hi, Angel. I’m Evangeline.” The young woman didn’t appear to pose a threat, but Evangeline wasn’t dropping her guard. “What are you doing in here?”
Angel’s eyes grew wide when she spotted Evangeline’s Glock. “I was looking for a snack when the fire alarm went off.I got scared and hid.”
“Why were you scared?”