@windstruck, Whitecliff's lab(and various other facilities such as the precincts interrogation rooms and prison) is in the basement, it's where you currently are. Stairs go up and down, but the steps seemed to go up.

You remember that the higher areas are a bit mazelike though, and Whitecliff both knows the area and has a headstart.

If you do want to follow, can you roll me a perception?