The team has called every line inside, noting that the occupants don’t seem eager to speak. They decide to keep the lines ringing while examining low-resolution security footage from a nearby hotel. The footage shows four individuals with a large crate, but their faces and identifying marks aren’t visible. They spot the van in a back alley, but the license plates are fake. Commander Hicks and Sergeant K are involved in this operation, joined by Detective Olivia Barlo, who specializes in art theft. Barlo offers her expertise, highlighting that art theft is a niche crime and offering to help navigate this complex world.

The team looks at the current layout of the building alongside the original plans. Detective Barlo suggests that if the thieves are motivated purely by greed, their potential targets could be the Centennial diamonds in the jewel gallery or a pair of multi-million-dollar oil paintings in the west gallery. This insight narrows down the targets and indicates that the thieves might be buying time inside the heavily secured building. However, as of now, there are no clear insights about the suspects, though Barlo mentions that art theft often stems from a crime of passion. Identifying their target could help establish a connection.

The entry planned is loud, which might give away any tactical advantage the team has, so more information is crucial before moving in. Hondo, another team member, stresses the importance of a non-explosive tactic, given the presence of priceless artwork and lives at risk. They receive a call; someone on an open line pleads for medical attention for a bleeding guard. Hondo tries to negotiate, noting the presence of his sister and nine hostages. The conversation reveals the thieves are well-prepared, believing they’ll be gone before the SWAT team can intervene if everyone follows their plan.

The SWAT team identifies there are no exits for the thieves. However, they discover an archival blueprint marking tunnels from the original 1920s building renovation, highlighting a network previously used during prohibition. These tunnels offer multiple entrances and exits throughout downtown, posing a serious risk if the thieves escape into them. The team needs to intercept quickly as the entrance is below the auction room.

A fast-paced movement ensues as the SWAT team rushes inside the building. They locate a guard with a pulse and ensure the hostages move towards safety while checking for any wounded left behind. Despite their best efforts, the thieves maintain a significant lead. Entering the tunnel area, the team encounters a locked door with an unexpected padlock. The situation grows tense; bullets won’t break the lock and they face incoming threats. There’s a standoff as one of the thieves threatens to shoot a hostage. Hondo instructs the team to back out slowly, ensuring to create space and avoid escalating the situation further. The team is now in a precarious position, striving to resolve the crisis without further endangering the hostages or the priceless artwork.