Page 14 of Secrets in the Dark

During my evening break, I slipped through the service corridors toward the administrative wing. The Jade Petal's security office occupied a windowless room near the executive suites—deliberately positioned away from public areas and most employee traffic.

Timing was critical. Enzo typically conducted his nightly briefing with the security team at 8:15, leaving the office empty for approximately twelve minutes. The corridor camera rotated on a sixty-second cycle, with a five-second blind spot during transition.

I checked my watch: 8:17 p.m. Two cleaning staff passed me as I waited at the juncture, nodding at my dealer's credentials. When they disappeared around the corner, I moved.

The service keycard I'd cloned during month two of my assignment granted basic access to most administrative areas—not unusual for senior dealers who might need to retrieve paperwork or access secure areas during high-roller escorts. What the card didn't provide was entry to Enzo's inner office.

For that, I needed the electronic blind spot I'd discovered three months ago.

The outer security suite required a simple card swipe. Inside, monitors displayed feeds from the casino's extensive camera network. A secondary door led to Enzo's private office, secured by both keycard and numeric keypad.

I approached the inner door, removed a thin electronic device from my pocket, and attached it to the keypad housing.The bypass unit needed approximately forty seconds to cycle through combination possibilities based on wear patterns on the keys.

Thirty-nine seconds later, the lock disengaged with a soft click.

Enzo's office revealed the expected trappings of casino security leadership—monitors showing key areas, filing cabinets, a desk with three computer screens. I moved efficiently, knowing each second increased the risk of discovery.

First, the bug—a passive transmitter disguised as an ordinary power adapter. I plugged it into an outlet behind Enzo's credenza, where it would blend with other electronic equipment. The device would activate only during specific phone frequencies, limiting detection risk while capturing key conversations.

Next, the computer. I inserted a specialized drive that bypassed the login screen, giving me thirty seconds of system access before security protocols would flag the intrusion.

My target: the HR database. Specifically, recent personnel additions.

The system architecture was familiar from previous incursions. I navigated quickly to the employee files, sorting by date added. A list of new hires appeared, and I scrolled rapidly until a name caught my attention.

Sinclair, Nova.

Status: Temporary.

Position: Performance Assistant.

Date Added: Four days ago.

I clicked the file, scanning details as the clock ticked down. The profile contained standard employment information—previous experience at Reno entertainment venues, generalized performance background, emergency contact listed as "V. Reyes." Nothing overtly suspicious.

Until I noticed the flag in the corner of her personnel photo:

Possible identity match - restricted file.

Only personnel on the casino’s legal blacklist or high-profile litigation watchlist would trigger that flag. That meant Celia wasn’t just some stray performer. She had history.

Fifteen seconds remaining.

I clicked the flag, revealing a secondary window. The Jade Petal's security system had flagged a facial recognition match between "Nova Sinclair" and another name:

Celia Marshall, Legal Assistant, Bailey & Finch LLP.

Ten seconds.

A case note indicated the facial match had been forwarded to Enzo's personal device with high-priority status. The date stamp showed he'd received the alert the same day Nova had started—and had immediately forwarded the information to an external number.

Five seconds.

I captured screenshots, transferred them to my secure drive, and disengaged from the system. As I prepared to exit, a final detail caught my eye: a handwritten note on Enzo's desk calendar.

Thursday—T.L. confirmed attendance. VIP section.

T.L….Thomas Licata.

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