Jason moved silently through the service corridor, his flashlight beam sweeping across the walls and floor. Twenty years in private security had taught him to trust his instincts, and right now every nerve in his body screamed danger. When Alexander Pierce had ordered a full sweep of the building, Jason had chosen to check the basement himself.

"East corridor clear," crackled a voice through his earpiece.

"Copy that," Jason replied. "Moving to check the ...