Clock In

Part 7

//

"I'm sorry, we can't provide that unless you have the approvals," the lady in spectacles said firmly, her voice clipped in a way that left no room for argument.

Fourth blinked, caught off guard by the immediate refusal. He wasn't expecting this. "Please," he tried again, his voice a little softer, a little more desperate. "I just need to check on a few things. It's urg, "

But before he could even finish, she cut him off, tapping on her keyboard like she had a million other things to do. "What you're asking for is four years' worth of records," she said, her tone sharp but measured. "Some of it's in the old system, some in the new. It's going to take a lot of time, and if you want it urgent, it has to be with a proper reason. And an approval," she added, like she'd already moved on from the conversation in her head.

Fourth felt like he'd hit a wall. Again.

The word approval hung heavy in his mind, and right away, he thought of the only person who could make this happen.

With a tight breath, he turned on his heel and made his way to the elevator, heading straight for the top floor. This time, the floor wasn't quiet like before. There was a subtle hum of activity, managers pacing around with phones pressed to their ears, meeting rooms lit up and occupied, the air buzzing with important conversations that he couldn't hear.

Fourth felt small, out of place. He moved cautiously, but before he could get any closer, the company's secretary stepped in front of him. Her expression was polite, but firm. "How can I help you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Fourth nodded awkwardly, clearing his throat. "Is Gem here?" he asked, not really thinking about the way it sounded.

Her eyebrows lifted, the barest flicker of surprise at how casually he'd just referred to the company's successor. Fourth realized his mistake immediately, his cheeks flushing. "I mean...Is Gemini here? I need to see him. It's... urgent."

The woman narrowed her eyes, clearly not impressed. "He's about to have a meeting," she said, her voice all business. "What is this about? I can leave him a message."

Fourth shook his head faintly. No way. This wasn't something he could explain in a note, and definitely not through her. "When will the meeting start?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

She stared at him for a beat, lips pressed into a thin line. "In a few minutes," she said.

"Can I see him real quick?" he asked, though it felt more like a plea than a request at this point.

"No." The answer was immediate, the tone sharp, like the door had just been slammed in his face.

Fourth's anxiety spiked. Time was slipping, and he couldn't afford to waste it arguing. Without thinking, he stepped around her and started walking straight toward Gemini's cabin.

"Excuse me! What are you doing?" she called after him, her voice sharp with disbelief.

He didn't stop. Didn't even look back.

He knocked once, quick, before pushing the door open.

Inside, Gemini was focused on his laptop, his posture relaxed but sharp in that effortless way of his. When he looked up, his eyes met Fourth's with the faintest flicker of surprise, but his face stayed calm.

The secretary burst in right after, her tone tight with frustration. "I'm sorry, sir. I told him you were busy, "

"It's okay," Gemini cut her off, not even taking his eyes off Fourth.

The secretary hesitated, glaring at Fourth like she already hated him. Then, with a tight nod, she backed out, closing the door behind her.

Silence settled in, just the two of them now. Fourth felt his throat go dry, the words catching before they even left his mouth.