The pounding against the steel door grew louder.
Each impact sent a shudder through the walls.
Dust drifted from the ceiling.
Time was running out.
Anthony looked from the hidden passage to the stranger.
"If this is a trap..."
"It isn't," the man replied. "But if you stay here another minute, you'll never have the chance to find out."
Evelyn made her decision.
"We're going."
Benjamin clutched the leather notebook against his chest.
"I have the notebook."
Anthony nodded.
"I'll cover the rear."
The stranger inserted the old brass key into a nearly invisible lock beside the opening.
A second section of the wall slid aside, revealing a narrow staircase leading downward.
"Go," he urged.
"I'll delay them."
Evelyn hesitated.
"You don't even know me."
The man smiled sadly.
"I k
