The hidden chapel
415 Words
The ambulance carrying Edward Lancaster disappeared into the distance, its siren fading into the night.
Oliver unfolded the old map once more.
A single red circle marked a place on the outskirts of the city.
Written beside it was one word:
Ashwood.
Marcus zoomed in on a satellite map.
"It's an abandoned chapel," he said. "It was closed nearly thirty years ago after a fire."
Inspector Reed frowned.
"That fire was never fully investigated."
Oliver looked at Tracy.
"I have a feeling your father wanted us to find this place."
---
An hour later, they arrived at the weathered stone chapel.
Its stained-glass windows were broken, and vines covered the walls.
The wooden doors groaned as Marcus pushed them open.
Dust danced through the moonlight.
"This place hasn't been touched in years," Tracy whispered.
As they searched, Oliver noticed something unusual beneath the old altar.
"There."
Marcus knelt and brushed away the dust.
Hidden beneath a loose stone was a small iron box.
It was locked.
Tracy took Gabriel Stone's pocket watch from her coat.
As she turned it over, she noticed a tiny key folded into the watch's chain.
"It can't be..."
She inserted the tiny key into the box.
Click.
Inside were several old letters, a cassette tape, and a faded photograph.
The photograph showed Gabriel Stone standing beside a young Edward Lancaster.
They were smiling like brothers.
Oliver stared at the image.
"My grandfather knew your father far better than he admitted."
Tracy picked up the cassette.
A handwritten label read:
"If anything happens to me, play this."
Marcus found an old cassette player in a dusty cabinet.
He inserted the tape.
After a burst of static, Gabriel Stone's voice filled the chapel.
> "If you're hearing this, Phoenix has already made its move."
Everyone listened in silence.
> "Edward is innocent. He tried to stop them."
Oliver closed his eyes in relief.
Then Gabriel continued.
> "The true leader of Phoenix isn't one person..."
The tape crackled violently.
The sound became distorted.
Then one final sentence came through clearly:
> "Phoenix... is a council of five."
The tape suddenly snapped.
Silence returned to the chapel.
Marcus slowly looked up.
"So we've been hunting one mastermind..."
Inspector Reed finished the thought.
"...when we've actually been facing five."
Outside, hidden among the trees, someone lowered a pair of binoculars.
They picked up a phone and smiled.
"They know about the Council."
A calm voice answered from the other end.
"Then begin Phase Two."
- Writer
