"Soo-jin's office credential tier," Minjae said quietly.
I forwarded the files to Griffin and Kang:
Rune:Minjae intercepted this 20 minutes ago. Venue says they didn't send it. Message traces to VF-Management-Executive-02 credentials.
Thirty seconds later:
Griffin:Stay in your room. Do not go to any service elevators. Both of you stay there. I'm coming up.
Griffin arrived with Kang. They studied the message in silence.
"The venue confirmed they sent no routing adjustments after 14:00," Kang said. "Someone fabricated this."
Kang put a hand on Minjae's shoulder. "You did good work."
I spoke up. "Minjae's right that it forces a choice. Either Griffin follows me into unsecured corridors, or he stays with the group and trusts I'm with venue staff."
"Either way, I look incompetent. In Seattle."
"Don't react," Kang said. "Document. Wait for the other side to make mistakes."
"What are we looking for?" I asked.
Griffin's expression was calm as he answered. "Situations that separate you from verified security. Instructions that create time pressure. Coordination that assumes familiarity we don't have. Anything that feels too smooth."
"That's been Seattle since we arrived."
Griffin nodded. "Yes."
***
In the hotel lobby, Soo-jin stood near the business lounge. When he saw me, he smiled and walked over.
"Rune. How are you settling in?"
"Fine."
"I wanted to check in before the venue walk-through. Make sure you're prepared."
"I'm ready."
"Good. I know the south entrance routing isn't ideal, but given the scaffolding, it's the most efficient option."
"I saw the message about the staggered arrival times. I don't understand why." I adjusted my stance, steadying myself.
"Ah, yes. I heard there was some confusion. Venue coordination can be complicated. I'm glad it was all clarified before it caused issues. You will now arrive with the rest of the group."
His relief came too easily. It wasn't the kind that follows a near mistake, but it was the kind that assumed the mistake had already done its work.
Griffin appeared at my shoulder. Professionally distant but present.
"Soo-jin."
"Griffin." Soo-jin turned toward him. "I appreciate your thoroughness. Seattle's venue infrastructure can be complex. Having someone familiar with the city's operational patterns is valuable."
In other words, someone with a history in the city.
"I know Seattle carries particular significance for you. Coming back in a primary detail capacity must feel meaningful."
