Page 87 of Her Faithful Protector

“We go down,” I say.

There’s a lift, but we both agree to take the fire escape to descend.

We enter a space resembling a secret military installation—or what’s left of it. The temporary lighting casts feeble shadows, barely illuminating the surroundings.

“Which one?” Tyler asks, gesturing towards the two entrances that stand opposite each other.

Ava could be anywhere within this building, and time is of the essence. “We should split up,” I suggest.

Tyler nods in agreement, and we each venture into a different door.

I turn on my flashlight, shining on the bare concrete floor as I scan the area.

“The only way is down from here,” Tyler relays on the radio.

I trace the walls encircling me, searching for any sign of irregularity, but I find nothing. “Same here,” I respond, making my way down the stairs.

As I traverse each level and continue descending, I can’t shake the feeling that there are people lurking in this place.

“Ty, where are you?” I call out.

“Basement three.”

“Anything?”

“It’s just empty rooms with partially built benches and shelves,” he describes.

“There’s nothing on this side, only concrete,” I explain. “Do you think these two sides could be connected?”

“I’m not sure, L.T. So far, I don’t see a way to get to where you are.” He pauses, seemingly looking around. “Well, unless you consider the air duct.”

“All right. I’m heading to basement four.”

“Roger that.”

After advancing past an unfinished doorway, my eyes catch sight of a man in the distance, positioned as a guard for another entryway. Obviously, Willem’s financial struggles have left him with an inexperienced skeleton crew. That guard bears the hallmarks of an amateur mercenary with hispristine camouflage attire and casual grip of his Ruger rifle as if he’s hoisting a flagpole.

“Someone’s here,” I whisper.

“Should I go over there? I still need to check out one more floor. The layout seems different, and there are rooms here.”

“Keep looking. Ava may be hidden in one of those rooms,” I command, keeping my focus on the guard.

Stepping into the light, I take down the lone man before he can react. Crossing the threshold of the doorway, I’m transported into a chamber that seems to bridge the gap between reality and imagination.

“I’m inside some kind of lab,” I inform Ty. This futuristic laboratory serves as a testament to the millions Willem invested.

“I’ve scanned all floors. I didn’t find anything, not even in these rooms on the lowest basement.”

“Come meet me. Once you reach this side of the building, go straight down. You’ll see a dead soldier in front of a doorway. Go past it, and you’ll find me.”

Suddenly, a thud resonates through the air, its origin difficult to discern amid the echoing acoustics. But the impact is unmistakable. The doorway slams shut behind me, trapping me within.

Shit!

“Ty?”

No answer.

---