Chapter 4: In the Shadows
Julian pulled Elena behind a stack of wooden shipping crates.
They crouched low to the cold concrete floor.
The bright beam of the flashlight bounced against the damp walls.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the quiet, cavernous basement.
"It is one of Victoria's private security men."
Julian whispered, barely making a sound.
"He is heading straight for the server room."
Elena peeked through a narrow gap between the wooden slats.
The guard was a towering man in a dark suit.
He held a heavy steel crowbar in his left hand.
"We cannot let him destroy those backup drives."
Elena stated, her voice tight with immediate anxiety.
"I know."
Julian looked around the dimly lit storage area.
His eyes landed on the main electrical breaker box on the far wall.
"I have an idea."
Julian told her, pointing toward the heavy grey metal box.
"When the auxiliary lights go out, run straight to the server room door."
Elena nodded in silent understanding.
Julian crawled quietly away from their hiding spot.
He used the deep shadows to mask his swift movements.
The guard raised his crowbar to smash the server room lock.
Julian grabbed the heavy iron lever of the main breaker.
He pulled it down with all his remaining strength.
The basement plunged into absolute, pitch-black darkness.
The guard shouted in surprise and dropped his flashlight.
The heavy flashlight rolled across the floor, spinning wildly.
Elena sprinted bravely across the open concrete space.
She grabbed the handle of the heavy server room door.
Julian rushed to her side just a second later.
He punched a rapid numeric code into the emergency keypad.
The heavy door clicked loudly and swung inward.
They scrambled inside the chilly room and slammed the door shut.
Julian threw the heavy steel deadbolt just as the guard crashed against the outside.
"Open this door immediately!"
The guard bellowed, violently pounding on the thick metal.
Elena ignored the loud banging and rushed to the main terminal.
The blue glow of the computer screens illuminated her determined face.
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"Help me find the correct network directory."
Elena commanded, her fingers flying rapidly across the glowing keyboard.
