Chapter 4 - The Surveillance Ghost
Julian stared at the tiny screen of Evelyn’s phone. The live feed from the Vanderbilt grand hallway showed an empty corridor bathed in the harsh light of the crystal chandelier, save for one chilling detail. A figure in a heavy black cloak was slowly walking toward the spot where Clara had collapsed, deliberately nudging the remaining scattered legal papers with a gloved foot.
"Who has access to the security feed remotely?" Julian demanded, his voice sharp enough to draw the attention of a passing orderly.
"Only Mrs. Vanderbilt and the head of estate security, Arthur’s old associate, Mr. Vance," Evelyn whispered, her hands trembling as she held the phone. "Julian, someone is still inside the house tampering with the evidence. If the police execute that search warrant tomorrow morning without securing the grounds first, half those documents could vanish."
"They won't vanish," Julian said, his jaw clenching as he pulled out his own encrypted satellite phone. He dialed a direct line to his private security detail. "Vance, secure the perimeter of the mansion immediately. Let no one in or out—and that includes my mother. If she attempts to leave her quarters, detain her."
A heavy, static-laced silence answered him before a raspy voice replied through the speaker. “Mr. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Vanderbilt isn't in her quarters. The security logs show she left through the east service gate ten minutes ago in her private sedan.”
Julian cursed under his breath, cutting the connection. He turned to Evelyn, his mind racing through the terrifying possibilities. His mother wasn't running away; she was going somewhere to bury the final pieces of evidence before the authorities arrived. And there was only one place on the estate old enough and isolated enough to hide a lifetime of family secrets.
"The old carriage house archives," Julian muttered, realization hitting him like a physical blow. "My father kept every sensitive legal document, trust fund ledger, and adoption record from the past fifty years locked in the underground vault beneath it."
"Why would she go there now?" Evelyn asked, horror dawning in her eyes. "The police will trace her digital footprint instantly."
"Not if she burns the archives to the ground," Julian said, grabbing his suit jacket from the back of the chair. "Evelyn, stay here with Clara. Guard her door with your life. Do not let anyone—doctor, nurse, or visitor—enter that room until I return."
May you like
Julian turned and sprinted down the hospital corridor, leaving Evelyn alone with the unsettling quiet. She hurried back toward Clara’s ICU room, her footsteps echoing in the corridor. As she reached the door, she noticed the electronic keypad was blinking erratically, and the digital display flashed a warning: System Override Active.
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