“The main passenger elevators lock down automatically after nine,” he said.

“You need a staff keycard to call a car to the upper floors.”

“I have my badge right here,” my mother said, lifting the stiff yellow card hanging from the lanyard around her neck.

“The gentleman at the front counter told me the way was clear.”

Marcus looked down at his belt clip.

“I’m taking these clean blankets up to the third floor right now,” he said.

“We have to be very strict about the elevators, but safety comes first on the surgical floors.”