Chapter 14 - A Voice from Twenty Years Ago
The speakers hidden throughout the operations center suddenly crackled with static.
Edward immediately became tense.
"No..."
Richard looked toward him.
"You know what's happening."
Edward nodded.
"The archive has recognized your authorization."
A projector descended from the ceiling.
Without anyone touching it, an old video began playing against the far wall.
The image was grainy.
Recorded on outdated equipment.
A younger Jonathan Morgan appeared.
He looked exhausted.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up.
Stacks of files surrounded him.
He looked directly into the camera.
"If my father is watching this..."
Richard stopped breathing.
"...then I have already disappeared."
Daniel glanced toward Richard.
Jonathan continued.
"Please don't waste time looking for me."
"They want you to."
"They want your attention focused on me."
Richard whispered,
"Who?"
The recording answered as though Jonathan had heard him.
"The people behind Meridian."
Jonathan walked toward a wall covered with maps.
"I spent five years believing we built hotels."
He laughed bitterly.
"We built observation posts."
The camera followed him.
He pointed toward dozens of red lights blinking across an enormous world map.
"They've hidden something beneath every property."
Richard stared at the screen.
Jonathan continued.
"I don't yet know what it is."
"But I know what it isn't."
"It isn't money."
"It isn't weapons."
"It isn't government intelligence."
Daniel leaned forward.
"Then what is it?"
Jonathan smiled sadly.
"If I tell you now..."
"They'll erase the recording."
For a second...
The image distorted.
Horizontal lines flashed across the screen.
Jonathan looked directly into the camera.
"They're already trying."
His voice became hurried.
"If you're seeing this, trust Edward."
Edward lowered his head.
"...until he gives you the silver ledger."
Richard frowned.
"What ledger?"
Edward's face went pale.
Jonathan spoke one final sentence.
"Whatever happens..."
"Do not let them find Emily first."
The screen suddenly went black.
Every monitor inside the room shut off simultaneously.
Only one remained active.
It displayed a countdown.
01:59:59
Two hours.
May you like
No explanation.
Just a clock that had already begun counting down.
