The digital dead-air clock on the sound-lock wall flashed with searing crimson light.
DEAD-AIR TIMER: 04.2 SECONDS.
Julian Vance’s clerk boots slammed against the grey linoleum at full sprint.
Behind him, Lin Mei pushed Clara’s rubber-wheeled chair as fast as her legs could pump.
Elena ran hard at Clara’s left wheel, one hand steadying the backrest while her medical bag bounced against her hip.
The high-frequency warning buzzer in the ceiling drilled through the acoustic fiberglass tiles like an electric needle.
“Keep moving!” Julian shouted over his shoulder, his eyes fixed on the heavy oak doors ahead.
“Cross cut the automated nighttime jazz playback from Level Four!”
