Rhea kidnapped Cameron to use him as leverage. A live bargaining chip was essential; a dead one was useless. She wouldn't bother with such a futile act.

"Well, where else do you think someone might be hiding?" Edward asked Alexander. "I've been thinking, and the only place is the boss's office. Now that the boss is dead and the office is empty—a usually off-limits place—it seems the most likely hiding spot," Edward added, a note of self-reproach in his voice. "I'm sorry, it only just occurred to me. I would have told you sooner."

"There's still time," Alexander said, patting Edward's shoulder. "Let's go take a look."

Footsteps sounded outside. Edward leaned against the door, listening. "Going out this way is risky. They'll see us. Let's go the other way."

He waited until silence fell before cautiously opening the door a crack to peek outside. The corridor was empty; they must have gone elsewhere to search. Edward emerged and gestured to Alexander.

Alexander followed, and they quietly moved down the corridor toward the far end. It seemed like a dead end, but Alexander followed Edward's determined lead. They rounded a corner, then another, and another. The place was a maze. Suddenly, Edward stopped, jumped, and pushed upward with his hands. A ventilation duct cover sprang open above them. He leaped, grasped the sides, and squeezed inside, then turned and offered a hand to Alexander. "Sorry for the inconvenience," he said.

Alexander smiled slightly. "Just move aside a bit."

Edward obliged, and Alexander quickly joined him. They closed the duct cover from the inside, leaving no trace.

Edward said softly, "It's dirtier and harder here, but safer."

"That's fine. No need for pleasantries. Is this your first day meeting me?" Alexander's deep voice rumbled. "Start climbing."

Edward nodded and led the way. They could only move forward. Alexander noted that this duct was different; there was no scent of anesthetic. Perhaps the different ventilation systems explained why the previous victim was unaffected.

They climbed for some time before stopping. Edward listened carefully, then checked below before moving a cover and dropping down. Alexander followed, quickly replacing the cover.

They found themselves on the outside of the research facility.