Chapter 9 - The Old Gatehouse
The rain began to fall lightly as Nathaniel and Claire walked down the long, winding driveway toward the stone gatehouse at the edge of the estate.
The gatehouse had been abandoned for over thirty years, its windows covered in thick ivy and dark moss.
Marcus and two armed security guards followed closely behind, carrying heavy tactical flashlights and tools.
Nathaniel pushed open the heavy wooden door, the rusty hinges groaning in the damp air.
Dust particles danced in the beams of their flashlights as they stepped inside.
"Where is it, Claire?" Nathaniel asked softly, keeping his flashlight trained on the floor.
Claire walked slowly toward the back corner near the stone fireplace.
She knelt down on the dusty wooden planks, her fingers searching for a seam.
"Here," she whispered, pointing to a raised piece of oak.
Marcus stepped forward with a crowbar, carefully prying the floorboard up.
Beneath the wood sat a small, dark oak box wrapped in oiled leather to protect it from the damp earth.
Nathaniel lifted the heavy box out and set it on the dusty table.
May you like
Claire drew the tarnished brass key from her coat pocket and inserted it into the keyhole.
The lock turned with a loud, metallic snap.
