Chapter 25 - The Man in the Control Room
Beyond the archive stood another reinforced door.
This one was already open.
Someone had entered recently.
The tactical team moved forward cautiously.
The room beyond resembled an abandoned control center.
Old surveillance monitors lined one wall.
Some still worked.
Most displayed static.
One remained active.
Its image showed Michael standing inside the archive.
Live.
Officer Ramirez quickly traced the signal.
"The camera is inside this room."
Everyone searched the ceiling.
The walls.
The equipment.
Nothing.
Then Helen quietly pointed toward an antique grandfather clock standing in the corner.
"There."
The camera lens had been hidden behind the clock face.
Someone had been watching them since they entered.
Michael approached a wooden desk positioned beneath the monitors.
Fresh coffee sat beside an open notebook.
Still warm.
"They just left."
Detective Bennett examined the notebook.
Most pages contained dates and initials.
The final page held only one unfinished sentence.
If Michael reaches this room...
Nothing more.
The writer had stopped mid-sentence.
Officer Ramirez suddenly raised his hand.
"Listen."
Footsteps.
Slow.
Measured.
Approaching from the corridor behind them.
The tactical officers formed a defensive line.
Weapons raised.
The footsteps stopped just outside the doorway.
Then an elderly man's calm voice echoed into the control room.
"I've waited twenty-eight years to meet you, Michael."
Michael's heart pounded.
"Who are you?"
A brief silence followed.
Then the stranger answered.
"My name..."
"...is Samuel Reed."
No one moved.
Samuel continued speaking from beyond the doorway.
May you like
"And before you decide whether to arrest me..."
"...ask Detective Bennett why her grandfather's name is also inside the archive."
