Behind closed doors

Chapter 5 : The last place

The rain had finally stopped.

Only the sound of dripping water echoed through the silent neighborhood.

Maya stared at the address written on the note.

"This is where Emma was last seen?" she asked.

Detective Ryan Hayes nodded.

"I've never forgotten it."

"Then why didn't the police find her?"

Ryan's jaw tightened.

"We searched the building. At least... that's what we were told."

"What do you mean?"

"The investigation was shut down before we finished. Someone higher up ordered us to leave."

Maya frowned.

"Who?"

"I don't know."

Ryan folded the note and slipped it into his pocket.

"But I intend to find out."

An hour later, they stood outside an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town.

The rusted metal gates hung open.

Broken windows stared back like empty eyes.

Maya swallowed hard.

"This place gives me the creeps."

Ryan switched on his flashlight.

"Stay close."

They stepped inside.

Dust floated through the cold air.

Every footstep echoed across the enormous building.

Old machines sat covered with sheets.

Wooden crates were stacked against the walls.

Then Maya noticed something.

"Ryan..."

He turned.

She pointed toward the floor.

There were fresh footprints in the dust.

Someone had been there recently.

Ryan knelt beside them.

"They're only a few hours old."

The footprints led deeper into the warehouse.

They followed them until they reached a small office at the back.

The office door was unlocked.

Inside, everything was covered in dust...

Except for one desk.

Someone had cleaned it recently.

On top sat an old cassette recorder.

A small note was taped to it.

Press Play.

Maya looked at Ryan.

"Should we?"

He hesitated.

Then he nodded.

Maya pressed the button.

Static filled the room.

A few seconds passed.

Then a familiar voice spoke.

"If you're hearing this... I'm probably gone."

Maya's heart stopped.

"Emma..."

Her sister's voice trembled through the speaker.

"I made a terrible mistake. I trusted someone I loved. If anything happens to me, don't believe what they tell you. The truth is hidden where our story began. Maya... I'm so sorry."

The recording ended.

Silence.

Tears filled Maya's eyes.

"She knew this was going to happen."

Ryan picked up the recorder.

"There has to be more."

Just then...

A loud metallic bang echoed through the warehouse.

The front door slammed shut.

The lights flickered on.

Then a voice boomed through hidden speakers.

"You should have listened to the warnings."

The warehouse doors locked with a heavy clang.

Maya spun toward Ryan.

"We're trapped."

A slow, mocking laugh echoed through the building.

Then the speakers went silent.

Somewhere in the darkness...

Footsteps began to approach.