Chapter 11 - The Locked Room
The key opened a door in the basement.
Daniel had never known it existed.
Behind the door was a narrow room filled with boxes.
Photographs.
Documents.
Old recordings.
And a wall covered with names.
Daniel recognized his father's handwriting.
At the center was one name.
Daniel Carter.
Around it were dozens of others.
Coaches.
Executives.
Lawyers.
Business owners.
Politicians.
Daniel stepped closer.
One name had been crossed out.
Marcus Vale.
Another had been circled.
Patricia Carter.
Daniel turned toward Ethan.
"Your mother."
Ethan stared at the wall.
"She knew."
Daniel found another document.
It was dated three days before his birthday.
It contained a list of instructions.
One line read:
If Daniel wins, activate the emergency plan.
Daniel's hands went cold.
The next line was missing.
Someone had torn the page.
He searched the boxes.
Nothing.
Then he found an old envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Richard and Patricia.
They were standing together.
Not as relatives.
As partners.
Daniel stared.
Ethan looked over his shoulder.
"My father lied to me."
Daniel nodded.
"Your mother did too."
Then the basement door slammed shut.
The lights went off.
A voice came through the darkness.
"Daniel."
He froze.
The voice was familiar.
But impossible.
"Your father should have told you sooner."
Daniel whispered:
"Who are you?"
May you like
The voice answered:
"Someone who has been waiting for you to come home."
