Page 57 of Grimm

They mounted their machines and set off on the old mining road, climbing up the hills, zigzagging around rocky outcroppings and easing their way past parts of the road that had washed down the side of the mountain. By the time they reached the ghost town, Dezi’s hand ached from steering the four-wheeler through really rocky and challenging terrain.

As they topped a rise, a clear and level area spread out before them where several buildings stood.

A large mining building occupied the far end of the ghost town. To her right stood what could have been a large house. Several smaller houses lined either side of the dirt road down the middle.

They dismounted and approached the larger of the homes.

“This building used to be a boarding house where the miners lived,” Chad said. “The county had plywood nailed over the windows and doors because they thought it was too dangerous for people to wander around inside.” He nodded toward the smaller houses. “They didn’t board up the smaller ones if you want to look inside.”

“Thanks, but I think we’re supposed to get inside this one.” Dezi stared up at the building. “It’s almost impenetrable.”

Grimm snorted. “Nothing a nail puller or pry bar couldn’t handle.”

Dezi planted a fist on her hip. “I don’t suppose you have one or the other of those hiding up your sleeve, do you?”

He pulled out his cell phone, brought up the photo of the letter and read aloud, “When confronted by a wall, look for another way in. Not all walls have doors. Not all walls need to be destroyed to allow you inside. Once inside, take it to a different level.”

Dezi walked around the building, looking for a way in that didn’t involve a door. All windows and doors had been covered. They weren’t getting in unless…

She searched the ground around the old boarding house for a trap door into a cellar.

“Looking for a cellar?” Grimm asked.

“Yes. There has to be another way inside.”

She kicked aside rocks and dirt all the way around the house and found nothing but rocks and dirt.

“Dezi,” Grimm called out. “Over here.”

She looked in the direction from which his voice had come but didn’t see him. “Where are you?”

“Over here.” His head popped up from the ground.

Dezi hurried over to find two steel doors that opened into a root cellar with dirt walls and stone steps leading into the earth. “How far in does it go?”

“I don’t know, but it appears to be aiming toward the boarding house.” He met her gaze. “I’d rather check it out alone, but I’m not going to leave you out here.”

“I’m coming.” She glanced around for Chad. He was heading their way.

“We’re going in,” she said. “If we don’t come back in thirty minutes, send for help.”

Chad leaned over the entrance and looked inside. “Are you sure you want to do this? That tunnel is carved out of dirt, and it doesn’t appear to be braced.”

“Did you find any other way into the boarding house?” Dezi asked.

He shook his head.

Dezi lifted her shoulders and let them fall. “Thirty minutes.”

He nodded.

Grimm slipped the elastic band of one of the headlamps Chad had brought for them over his head and switched on the light. “And Chad…” Grimm turned back to their guide. “Watch your back. Someone else is trying to get to the end goal as well. And he’s willing to kill to get there first. Don’t try to be a hero. If he shows up, hide.”

“What about you two?” Chad asked. “Shouldn’t I warn you?”

“You might not have time,” Grimm said. “In fact, close the trap door over this tunnel once we’re inside. If he doesn’t find it right away, it will buy us time to work through the clues.”

Dezi touched the young guide’s arm. “I know you’d rather go with us than be left out here, but we need someone to go for help if we don’t come back out in thirty minutes.” Dezi gave him a twisted smile. “I could stay up here, but I’m not as familiar with the area. You’d be able to get out and find help faster than I ever could.”

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