Ratio(3)

“Lead the way.”

Under Rick’s watchful gaze, Trevor spent twenty minutes bluffing his way through an inspection. The ventilation systems were huge, taking up most of the room, but the heat and noise were enough to mask Trevor’s improvised attempts. A few fake electronic monitors helped, not that Trevor figured Rick even knew what to look for, but it wasn’t worth taking the risk. He spent a few more minutes poking through corners with his flashlight, opening up a few panels. Finally, he switched off the monitors and took a deep breath.

“Looks like the system’s in good shape,” he said. “But I won’t know for sure until I check some of the ducts in the hotel. I’ve got everything I need in here.” He patted the rucksack slung over his shoulder.

“Which floor?” Rick asked.

“Your VIPs are on seven, right?”

“Yeah. We got an elevator goes right up. You’ll need a ladder.”



***



The seventh floor of the hotel was deserted, the plush carpets recently cleaned. The corridors smelled of wood polish and air freshener, something with a hint of lavender. Rick looked over at Trevor as the elevator doors slid closed behind them.

“We keep the seventh floor available for VIPs and large parties,” he explained, holding on tight to a steel stepladder he had found in the supply room. “This elevator is for VIP use only, and it goes only to three places: the seventh floor, the lobby, and to the basement. Otherwise, the stairwells have to be used, and those are always locked.” He pointed at a door at the end of the hallway. “Nobody’s using the floor right now, not until tomorrow. That’s when private security is due to show up for another inspection.”

Trevor nodded. “You got everything from me you need, Rick? Because this will take me some time, and I can let myself out when I’m done.” The last thing he needed was the kid hanging around too long, watching.

“Yeah, I’ll take care of things for you,” said Rick. “I saw your ID, and I’ll put your business name on the schedule.” He lowered his voice. “When’s the main man get here?”

“The boarder? Sorry, buddy, top secret, you know? But even I don’t know that. Like I told you before, I’m just a lackey that does inspections. I don’t do all that real agent stuff.”

“Got it. Sorry.” Rick led Trevor down the hall, dragging the ladder behind him. “On this level, there are only three access points to the attic. One here, just over the elevator up above the false ceiling, and one in each stairwell. I gotta tell ya, it’s pretty crowded up there. Won’t be a comfortable fit, man your size.” He unfolded the ladder and checked the safety latch. “Good to go. Here’s the access point.”

Trevor smiled, looking up at the ceiling panel feet above him. “Thanks.”

“It should just slide out,” Rick said, holding on to the ladder’s frame. “I’ll keep you steady.”

Trevor nodded and climbed up, pushing the panel to one side. He looked over his head at the metal plate in the concrete ceiling, just big enough for him to fit through. It had a locking mechanism.

“Good, it locks,” said Trevor, stepping back down to the floor. He held his hand out. “I’ll need a key.”

Rick jangled the keys in his pocket. “I’m not sure…”

“You can keep the key but I’ll need a key card for the elevator to let myself out later.”

“Now, wait a minute. This is…”

“Work with me, Rick. The sooner you turn over the key card, the sooner you can get back to your desk and get some real work done.”

Rick continued to stall, but handed over his keyring. Trevor unlocked the trap door into the attic and let it hang down. Handing back the key ring, he held out his hand for the elevator key card.

“Help me out, buddy,” Trevor said, softening his eyes, pushing out the fake smile one more time. “I need that card if you don’t want to hang around here doing nothing for the next couple hours.”

“That long?” Rick asked.

“At least.”

“Maybe I better check with my manager.”

Trevor sighed. “I thought you were in charge, Rick? Part of being a leader is learning how to make decisions. You saw who ordered this inspection, right?”

“Yeah, I saw.”

“How do you think you’re going to look if you’ve got to ask permission for every little thing?”

Rick folded his arms and frowned. “Not every little thing.”

“C’mon, take some initiative. Save everyone the trouble. It’ll make you look good.”