The files are already open, she said. Not the master record. Peter's face changed. Simone copied the approval pages before the crash. The custodian looked at him.
She copied everything. The missing pages had not been destroyed or taken from the black cases. Simone never placed the only versions there. They were encrypted inside her phone. The bracelets, transmitter, and travel files were designed to expose the false handoff system.
But the device in Zuri's hands could identify the person who authorized it all. Give it to me, the custodian said. And both girls leave with their aunt. Zuri glanced at Celeste. Is that what he promised you?
Celeste's silence answered. He promised Clare that the accusation was an exercise. He promised Valerie that the false guardian record was legal. He promised Rusk that the crash report would disappear. Now he promises to release Nia.
The custodian moved the blade closer. Your sister does not have time for a speech. Neither do you. Police locked the airport. Police follow records.
I create them. His confidence revealed what his disguise had hidden. He was not trying to escape unseen. He expected to replace the record of what everyone had witnessed. Zuri looked at the seat screens.
They still displayed the list of 11 children. Case 417 is connected to my phone. Correct. So if I open the master record, every screen will show it. You cannot open it without both sisters.
Zuri had guessed that the two cases required them together. Simone would protect the final archive the same way. Then you can't open it after taking my phone either. For the first time, he hesitated. Nia noticed.
So did Officer Hayes. The custodian needed the phone and both twins alive. His blade created fear, but using it would destroy the access he wanted. Zuri unlocked the screen. A prompt appeared.
Complete case 417. Second subject required. Let Nia stand beside me, Zuri said. We open it together, then you take the phone. You will send the record.
You said you control the system. The challenge touched his pride. He pulled Nia towards Zuri without releasing her. When the sisters stood an arms length apart, the phone camera recognized Zuri. Nia needed to touch the second symbol.
"Hold it out," the custodian ordered. Zuri extended the phone. Nia raised one shaking hand. Her thumb tapped the symbol. Two choices appeared.
Open master record. Return to custodian. The man smiled. Second option. Nia looked at the blue stitches.