"Mr. President, open the door. It's an emergency." Nobody moved.
Daniel kept his eyes on the sealed entrance. He knew that voice. Every senior security officer at the Palace had been introduced to him personally, and the man outside was supposed to be stationed at the eastern security post. Yet something about the urgency in his voice made Daniel uneasy.
"Identify yourself," Daniel called.
"Commander Harris. We have a security breach in the east wing. I need the President moved immediately." Sebastian exchanged a look with Daniel. "Ask him for the emergency code," he said. Daniel did.
A pause followed, brief enough to seem natural but long enough to attract his attention. Then the voice outside supplied the correct code without hesitation.
One of the security officers stepped forward, ready to unlock the door, but Elena stopped him with a raised hand.
"Don't open that door."
She turned toward Daniel. "When was that code last changed?"
"Three weeks ago."
