Chapter 20: The Phantom Codes
The low hiss of the primary air scrubber pulsed through the ventilation ducts, maintaining a steady, dry warmth across the reinforced corridors of Alderwood Manor. Rowan Mercer stood just beyond the threshold of the central utility hall, his thumb resting against the call button of his satellite phone. Through the reflection in the dark, polished composite paneling along the wall, he could see the sliver of space beneath the guest suite door where the floor lighting caught a pair of bare feet standing motionless on the carpet.
Piper was still awake, her ear pressed to the wood, waiting for any loose scrap of information that could salvage her standing with Torin Sterling.
Rowan brought the screen to his ear and began speaking before the line could even conn
