Chapter 82 - 84 Summary

Hale panics. He has no pass code to give Strathmore but, if he releases Susan, he risks getting shot. Hale drags Susan with him to the stairs, promising he will not hurt her. He continues to tell Susan that Strathmore is a dangerous killer but Susan refuses to believe him.

Hale starts up the stairs with Susan when suddenly he hears a thud behind him. He was certain Strathmore was at the foot of the stairs but he cannot see anything in the darkness. He hears another thud and realizes the commander is behind him. Hale retreats backwards down the staircase and is knocked unconscious by the butt of Strathmore's gun.

Strathmore comforts Susan and tells her he fooled Hale into thinking he was at the top of the stairs by throwing his shoes onto the landing. Susan thinks that Strathmore...