The convoy passed the shelter just as Eli reached the service-room door.
The replacement escort’s vehicle led, followed by the truck carrying the sealed core. Hale stood on the rear step until the truck cleared the staging area. She raised a hand to the guards still at the shelter, then disappeared around the corner.
Eli watched the final vehicle go. The completion fee went with it. The advance remained subject to the coalition’s review, and the team’s signed contract did not promise compensation for the rescue. Leah would have to revise the budget she had not yet allowed anyone to count as income.
Tessa checked the medical kit. “We have two people behind the maintenance door and Deren with them. Kellan has braced the corridor. We don’t know whether anyone else is in the rear room.”
The shelter worker brought the resident list. “One person was last seen near the rear room before the floor moved. His name is Omar. The guard said he saw him head toward the upper stairs, but he lost sight of him.”
“Has anyone outside seen him?”
“Not yet.”
Anik called West Commons with the name and description. A volunteer checked the transport arrivals. Omar was not on the list, but the list was incomplete because some people had walked independently.
