Chapter 35 - The Visitor Without a Name
That evening, as rain fell steadily outside Samuel's office, the receptionist called upstairs.
"There's someone here asking for Daniel."
Samuel looked through the security monitor.
An elderly man stood quietly in the lobby.
Simple gray coat.
Walking cane.
No umbrella despite the storm.
"I've never seen him before," Samuel whispered.
The man refused to give his name.
He only repeated one sentence.
"I promised Victor Hayes I would wait until Daniel came home."
After several minutes, Samuel allowed him inside.
The stranger entered slowly.
His eyes immediately settled on Lily.
"You look exactly like your grandmother."
Daniel frowned.
"You knew my family?"
The old man smiled sadly.
"I knew all three generations."
Without another word, he reached into his coat pocket and placed a small wooden box on the table.
The craftsmanship was unmistakable.
Daniel recognized it instantly.
His grandfather had carved boxes in exactly that style.
"I've kept this for twenty-two years."
"I was told never to open it."
Daniel carefully lifted the lid.
Inside rested an old brass compass.
A faded photograph.
And a key unlike any they had found before.
Attached to the key hung a small metal tag.
Only two words had been engraved into it.
Second Chamber.
Before Daniel could ask another question, the elderly visitor quietly stood.
"I've done what I promised."
"Wait," Daniel said.
"Who are you?"
The man looked toward the rain-covered window.
"My name doesn't matter."
"What matters..."
"...is that someone else has already learned you've opened the first chamber."
As he walked toward the door, Samuel's phone vibrated.
A security alert flashed across the screen.
May you like
Motion detected inside the Carter residence.
But Daniel, Lily, and Samuel were all standing miles away.
