A new message appeared. ACCESS VALIDATION: 100%
Daniel's expression hardened. "They've passed."
Robert immediately reached for the security phone. "I'll contact cybersecurity."
Daniel stopped him. "No."
Robert stared. "Why?"
"Because if the person behind this is already inside the network, calling the normal security team may tell them exactly what we're doing."
Robert lowered the phone. "What do you suggest?"
Daniel looked toward the terminal. "We find the access point."
Claire spoke quietly. "Before we do that..."
Daniel turned. She looked at the torn pieces of his ticket. "Are you really the Director of Airport Operations?"
Daniel nodded. Claire's face reddened. "Then I'm sorry."
Daniel didn't respond immediately. "I know."
"I didn't know."
"That's exactly why I'm not firing you."
Claire looked surprised. Daniel continued. "If I fire you because you treated me badly, someone else will simply do the same thing tomorrow."
He looked toward the passengers still waiting in line. "The problem isn't one employee."
Robert nodded slowly. "It's the culture."
"Exactly."
Daniel looked back at the screen. "And someone has been exploiting it."
They moved into a restricted office adjacent to the check-in area. Daniel closed the door. Robert activated a secure terminal. Claire remained outside. Daniel noticed. "She can come in."
Robert looked surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because she witnessed what happened."