Inside the interview room, fluorescent light cast a cold glow across a metal table.
Alicia sat upright.
Her hands rested lightly against the surface.
Her expression remained calm.
Across from her sat a tall security officer with a severe expression.
He opened a notebook.
Looked Alicia over before speaking.
"What is your full name?"
"Alicia Morgan."
Her answer was immediate.
He wrote something down.
Then looked up.
"What's the purpose of your flight today?"
"Business."
Nothing more.
The officer's expression tightened as he studied her clothes.
A gray turtleneck.
Simple slacks.
Low-heeled leather shoes.
Nothing resembling the image of the VIP travelers he saw every day.
"If this is a business trip, why are you dressed like this?"
The question carried something beyond security.
Alicia tilted her head slightly.
"How I dress has nothing to do with the purpose of my trip."
She met his eyes.
"What exactly are you implying?"
The officer faltered.
He hadn't expected the question to come back at him.
He gestured toward a female colleague who had begun inspecting Alicia's small bag.
Inside were a laptop.
A notebook.
And a large sealed envelope bearing the red wax insignia of AdvaLink Group.
The female officer held it up.
"What's this?"
"Work documents."
"We need to inspect it."
Her fingers moved toward the seal.
Alicia's voice stopped her.
"Those materials contain confidential corporate information."
The woman paused.
Alicia continued.
"If you believe you have legal authority to compel access to those documents, then document the basis and follow the appropriate legal process."
Her voice remained measured.
"Otherwise, do not break that seal."
The two officers exchanged looks.
Alicia's confidence had unsettled them.
Outside, Rachel watched through the security feed.
The satisfaction on her face began fading.
She had expected Alicia to become intimidated once the door closed.
Instead, Alicia appeared more controlled than the officers questioning her.
Inside, Alicia took the envelope back.
Placed it carefully inside her bag.
Zipped it shut.
Then she looked at both officers.
"If this is a random security screening, document that in your report."
She paused.
"If someone specifically ordered me brought here, I want the reason documented as well."
Neither officer answered immediately.
The balance in the room had changed.
A few minutes later, the door opened.
The officers motioned for Alicia to leave.
She rose.