When I reach the top of the staircase I find a locked door marked "Manager's Office". I knock three times. There is no answer, but I can hear movement inside. I knock again, this time a lot harder, and with my fist.

"Who is it?" someone inside says.

"It's Isaac Marion," I yell back. "I'm looking for an employee of yours. Her name is Miriam."

I hear the sound of frantic scuffling from inside the office, of papers rustling and drawers slamming. "Uh, sorry," the voice says. "She uh, doesn't work here anymore."

"Why not? Did you fire her? Where did she go?"

"Um..." More scuffling noises. No response.

I have now had enough of this. I raise my voice to a warning shout. "I'm coming in there."

"No! No you can't! This is an employees only area! You--"

I brace myself against the wall and kick down the door.