Chapter 13
THE PACKAGE AT ST. JUDE’S
The sterile white lights of St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital buzzed softly.
Outside, the autumn storm had finally begun to clear away.
Inside VIP Room 302, Evan slept peacefully in his hospital bed.
His breathing was steady, his color fully restored.
Mira sat in a chair beside the bed, dozing off with exhaustion.
Her white apron was gone, replaced by a simple woolen sweater.
Bastian stood by the window, staring out at the city skyline.
A soft knock echoed at the heavy wooden door of the VIP suite.
Bastian turned quickly, his hand resting near his jacket pocket.
The door clicked open a few inches.
A young hospital receptionist poked her head inside nervously.
"Pardon me, Mr. Calder," the receptionist spoke softly.
"Are you Mira Bennett?" she asked, looking at the chair.
Mira blinked awake instantly, sitting up straight.
"Yes, I am Mira," she replied, her voice laced with fatigue.
"I... I have a delivery at the front desk for you."
"The courier insisted it had to be handed to you directly."
Mira exchanged a quick, worried glance with Bastian.
"Bring it in, please," Bastian commanded quietly.
The receptionist stepped forward, holding a heavy manila envelope.
It was sealed with thick red wax bearing an unfamiliar crest.
Mira took the envelope with trembling fingers.
The receptionist quickly excused herself and closed the door.
Bastian walked over, standing right behind Mira’s chair.
"Open it carefully," Bastian warned in a low murmur.
Mira broke the red wax seal with the edge of a plastic card.
She slid out a single sheet of heavy parchment paper.
A series of typewritten words stared back at them.
*“You saved the boy tonight, Mira. But the Calder bloodline ends this week.”*
*“Check the basement of the east wing before midnight.”*
Attached to the letter was a small, rusted iron key.
Mira’s breath hitched in her throat as she read the words.
"The east wing basement," Mira whispered in horror.
"That’s the original foundation built before the modern renovations."
"There are rooms down there that aren't on any architectural blueprints."
Bastian’s jaw tightened into a hard, unyielding line.
"They think they can terrorize my family," Bastian growled.
"They are sorely mistaken."
He pulled out his smartphone and dialed a direct secure line.
"Director Vance? Call the tactical sweep team back to the manor."
May you like
"We’re going underground."
[Cliffhanger: As Bastian and Mira arrive back at the manor, they find the heavy iron door to the hidden east wing basement unlocked and slightly ajar.]
