The moment Ernest and Hadley stepped through the entrance, multiple officers immediately recognized them.
“Good morning, Mr. Flynn, Miss Pearson.”
“Good morning.”
The lobby blazed with artificial light, resembling a bustling hive where dedicated workers moved with purposeful energy. Some officers maintained their relentless pace, while others had claimed chairs and sofas for brief moments of respite.
“We’re deeply grateful for everything you’re doing,” Ernest voiced their appreciation while casting a meaningful glance toward Hadley.
They had arrived bearing gifts of sustenance—before departing the mansion, they’d arranged for breakfast deliveries from Grandma’s Kitchen, which had arrived precisely alongside their entrance.
Their eyes swept the crowded space, but Ellis’ familiar figure was nowhere to be found.
“Pardon me, could you tell us where we might find your chief?”
“Chief Gomez is on the second floor, working in his office.”
“Perfect, thank you for the information.”
Hadley balanced a carefully prepared breakfast container in her arms as she climbed the stairs behind Ernest.
Ellis’ second-floor office stood with its door ajar, warm light spilling into the darkened hallway beyond.
They found Ellis slumped in his desk chair, his head tilted back and eyes closed in what appeared to be exhausted slumber.
They moved with careful, silent steps across the threshold, Hadley wrestling with the dilemma of whether disturbing his rest would be too cruel.
“Who’s there?”
Ellis’ training had honed his instincts to razor sharpness—his eyes snapped open with startling suddenness, immediately focusing with crystalline clarity.
Recognition dawned across his features as he addressed them.
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“Mr. Flynn, Miss Pearson, you’ve arrived remarkably early this morning.”
“Did we disturb your rest?” Hadley’s voice carried immediate remorse.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Please don’t apologize…” Ellis dismissed her concern with a gentle shake of his head as he rose from his chair.
“I wasn’t sleeping, merely giving my eyes a brief reprieve.”
“We cannot express enough gratitude for your tireless dedication.” Hadley moved closer and set the breakfast on his cluttered desk.
“Please, you need to maintain your strength.”
“This is incredibly thoughtful, thank you.”
No sooner had Ellis expressed his appreciation than his phone erupted with an urgent ringtone. Without hesitation, he accepted the call while Ernest and Hadley remained present as witnesses.
“Gomez. Yes, proceed with your report.”
The voice on the other end delivered news that transformed Ellis’ features into a mask of serious concern.
“Understood.”
The call ended with a decisive click.
Both Ernest and Hadley fixed their gazes on Ellis, their faces radiating desperate hope for positive news.
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