Eli told Keir he was checking a safety issue. He did not tell him whose safety he meant.
Keir had just set down the team’s case at the marked distribution point. Lysa was counting the remaining supplies, and Pell was arguing with a judge about whether the case needed to be opened before the next instruction could be issued. The service passage where Dain and Mira had disappeared was still visible across the crowded area, though the security staff had moved farther inside.
“There was a restricted sign by that opening,” Eli said. “Two contestants went through. I want to check whether the route is authorized.”
“Ask the official,” Keir said.
“I’ll be quick.”
“That isn’t what I said.”
Eli heard him. He also saw the equipment trolley moving away from the passage and feared that if he waited for the judge, he would lose the pair entirely. He left his end of the case on the table and crossed the floor before Keir could finish the count.
Lysa called after him. “Take the radio?”
