They step out of the shadow of the column, and when Emma turns her head to peek behind them she sees—

A man in a white uniform shirt and maroon trousers standing in the center of the hall.

Her gasp is like a gunshot, and she jumps back so fast she nearly knocks Kristin over.

“What the—” Bell jerks sideways, in front of Emma and Kristin. His hand goes straight to his hip, clenches on nothing.

The man’s hands are raised—one of them is palm out; the other clutches a small gray pouch marked with a red first aid cross. He is in his forties, tanned, lean, and utterly shocked to see them there. “Who the hell are you?”

“Who the hell are you?” Bell retorts.

The man looks scandalized, then laughs. “Holy shit, I’m—” He laughs again, presses his free palm to his chest, then collects himself. “Jesus. Okay, I’m Clive Ross, I’m the rostered paramedic on staff. Did you know this section of the facility is on lockdown? What the hell are you kids doing here?”

Emma is still getting her heartbeat under control. But she recalls Scott’s mention of essential staff. “We… we came in from the other wing. We—”

“I just want to see my brother,” Kristin says plaintively.

Ross looks flabbergasted. “I’m sorry, Miss…?”

“Gutmunsson. My name is Kristin Gutmunsson, I’m Simon’s sister.”

Emma would like to quietly strangle her.

Ross grimaces. “Miss Gutmunsson, I’m really sorry. But visiting hours are over, and there’s some kind of police operation happening tonight, and I can’t… Look, you folks will have to leave. I could get into a lot of trouble with Dr. Scott if you’re here, and the police seem really serious.”

Kristin’s eyes are imploring. “Please. I’ve come such a long way, and I just want to see him for a moment.”

“This isn’t…” Ross scratches his head. “No. Again, I wish I could let you stay. But I’m gonna have to contact the law enforcement people about getting you escorted out.”

Oh shit. Emma’s panic of a moment before is now replaced by the greasy feeling of disappointment and frustration.

“Do you have to contact the LEOs?” Bell looks frustrated, too. “You can’t just walk us through to the east wing and—”

“I’m afraid not.” Ross shakes his head sadly. “I’m really sorry, but it’s my job. Where did you come in from? The old lobotomy room?”

“Yes.” Emma feels sick. They were so damn close to getting the information they needed out of Simon!

“Okay, look,” Ross says. “I have to go talk to the police—they might need to send someone in for you. How about you go back into the lobotomy room, and I’ll—”

“I’m not going back in there!” Kristin shudders. “I’m not staying in that room. If you put me in there, I’ll just go down to my brother’s room as soon as you leave.” There’s steel in her spine, and she looks uniquely determined, and for the first time Emma’s grateful Kristin came along.