Chapter 11 - Level Negative Two
Richard insisted on continuing despite every warning.
Edward hesitated only briefly before leading the group toward the source of the vibration.
The passage sloped downward beneath the hotel's original foundations.
Concrete gradually gave way to reinforced steel walls.
Fresh ventilation systems hummed overhead.
This section had not existed during the hotel's construction.
Someone had invested millions creating an entirely hidden underground complex.
Daniel checked every doorway they passed.
Most required biometric authorization.
Others used mechanical locks unlike anything installed upstairs.
Maria quietly whispered,
"Who built all this?"
Edward answered without looking back.
"Many people."
"Did they know what they were building?"
"No."
"They only knew their individual assignments."
Richard examined the walls.
Every fifty feet another security camera rotated silently.
The project had never been abandoned.
It had continued growing year after year beneath unsuspecting guests.
Eventually they reached an enormous circular vault door.
Its surface was covered with dozens of locking mechanisms.
At the center was a small brass keyhole.
Richard removed the key marked 17.
It fit perfectly.
But before turning it, he noticed another engraving beneath the lock.
Three names.
Richard Morgan.
Jonathan Morgan.
Third Authorization Required.
Richard frowned.
"There should only be two names."
Edward's face became unreadable.
"There used to be."
Richard slowly turned toward him.
"Who was the third?"
Edward remained silent.
The massive door suddenly emitted a soft electronic chime.
A hidden screen illuminated beside the lock.
Instead of requesting fingerprints...
It displayed an old family photograph.
Richard.
His wife Eleanor.
Young Jonathan.
And standing beside them...
A smiling little girl no older than eight.
Daniel stared.
"I thought you only had one child."
Richard's hands began to tremble.
His voice barely emerged.
"I did."
He looked closer at the photograph.
The girl's face had been deliberately scratched away.
Only one sentence appeared beneath the image.
FAMILY RECORD INCOMPLETE. PLEASE RESTORE THE MISSING HEIR.
Silence consumed the underground chamber.
Richard felt memories he had buried decades earlier begin forcing their way back.
May you like
Memories connected not only to Jonathan...
But to someone the entire world believed had never existed.
