"Probably not without these." He closed the box. "Maybe we've just pulled the plug. So let's take these and get out of here."
She glanced down at the surly Pakistani. "What about him?"
"We could take him with us, as a bargaining chip, but I don't think he's worth the bother." Vance reached over and turned his face up. "How about it? Do your buddies out there care whether you live or die?"
His eyes betrayed his fear they did not.
"Didn't really think so," Vance revolved back. "I say we leave him. They'll probably execute him anyway, for being a screw-up and losing these." He tucked the box under his arm, then turned back one last time. 'Tell your chief we're going to take good care of them. They're the world's insurance policy." He pointed toward the opening into the wiring shaft. "Want to go first?"
'The conduit?" She frowned.
"You get used to it. It's just—"
"I really can't believe any of this is happening." She turned, walked over, and—with only minor hesitation—began climbing through.
At that moment, the Pakistani suddenly rolled to his feet and lunged for the sealed door. Vance whirled to try and catch him, but it was too late. He had already thrown his body against the release button. The seal clicked off, and in an instant their security evaporated.
"Go!" he turned back and yelled, but she was already through.