Elena found Sarah Lindqvist working in her laboratory office at 7 AM, before most of the institute's staff arrived, exactly when the surveillance team had predicted. She wasn't alone. Agent Reyes and two additional security personnel waited in the adjacent hallway, ready to move if Lindqvist attempted to flee or destroy evidence.
"Dr. Lindqvist," Elena said, entering the small office. "We need to talk."
Lindqvist looked up from her workstation, surprise crossing her features before quickly shifting to something else. Recognition, maybe. Resignation.
"I was wondering when you'd finally figure it out," Lindqvist said, closing her laptop carefully and turning to face Elena directly. "Though I'll admit, it took considerably longer than I anticipated."
Elena's pulse quickened despite profes
