Martin Reeve insisted the card opened a maintenance route, not a secret chamber.
Tessa did not argue while the medic checked his side. Reeve had a cut on his forehead and pain where he had fallen against the rail. He was conscious and could answer questions, but the medic wanted him to remain seated until the assessment was complete.
The key card lay on a clean tray beside his identification. Its service-access label matched the reader Sera had found at the closed door. The medic had removed it from Reeve’s jacket while checking his identity and had asked the response coordinator to record its custody.
“Why didn’t you mention it?” Eli asked.
Reeve looked at him. “You asked about a chamber. I don’t know a chamber.”
“You said there was nothing below.”
“I said there wasn’t a chamber. Maintenance uses service spaces. I don’t know what you think is down there.”
Tessa held up a hand before Eli could answer. “Is anyone assigned to the service route today?”
