Chapter 24 - Elena's Journal
Back at headquarters, Arthur finally opened the sealed envelope marked For My Father that had been stored inside the safe deposit box.
The paper had yellowed with age, but Elena's handwriting remained clear.
> Dad,
>
> If you're reading this, it means I was right.
>
> Someone survived.
>
> Please don't blame yourself.
>
> I knew the risks before I accepted the assignment.
Arthur paused, taking a slow breath before continuing.
> I never believed the organization was controlled by one person. The Chairman was important, but every meeting suggested someone else gave the final orders.
>
> I never learned the name.
>
> I only heard one title.
>
> The Founder.
Mercer exchanged a glance with Director Collins.
"The Founder?"
Collins quietly nodded.
"We've heard the title once before."
Arthur continued reading.
> If my notes are incomplete, follow the money that never reaches banks.
>
> Look at artwork.
>
> Look at antique auctions.
>
> Look at private collections.
The final page contained only a rough pencil sketch.
It showed an old mansion overlooking a lake.
No address.
Only a date.
October 14.
Mercer frowned.
"That's next week."
Arthur carefully folded the letter.
"No."
He pointed toward the corner of the page.
"Look closer."
Collins adjusted the document beneath a magnifying lamp.
Tiny numbers appeared almost invisible inside the paper fibers.
Latitude and longitude.
Not a future date.
A location.
The coordinates pointed toward a forgotten estate nearly eighty miles outside the city.
Before anyone could discuss it further, the forensic laboratory called.
"The cassette tape has been restored."
May you like
Everyone immediately headed downstairs.
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