Chapter 33

CHAPTER

THIRTY-THREE

Edward had escorted Heidi from Rafferty's office, which was unfortunate since she already didn't like the man.

She'd been taken to a windowless bedroom. This place was most likely designed to survive a nuclear fallout, so she shouldn't be surprised.

There was no attached bathroom, just a metal bed with a white bedspread and a dresser. She'd checked under the bed and in the dresser.

Nothing in the room alarmed her.

At least, the space was clean.

However, the whole situation gave her chills.

In fact, this bunker felt more like a grave.

The good news was that Rafferty had seemed to buy her story. She hadn't seen any hints of suspicion in his gaze. But she'd still need to proceed with caution.

The man was sly, a trained interrogator and mastermind of a super soldier program.

She couldn't afford to let down her guard.

Yet she also knew she didn't have much time.

She sat on the edge of the bed and hit the button on her shoe as Cynthia had shown her.

The secret compartment opened. She pulled the cell phone out and touched the screen.

Her heart beat harder. There wasn't a signal down here.

Did that mean Stephen and Gage couldn't track her? That they couldn't hear what was being said?

She'd known that was a possibility. But still . . .

Her throat tightened as panic tried to take over.

She hoped Stephen and Gage had been able to hear what was said earlier, at least. But now she was underground. Rock surrounded this mountain. Metal surrounded the bunker.

What were the chances a signal could get through?

Not good.

Yet Rafferty seemed to have some type of internet connection. He had a computer set up and had mentioned taking a phone call. So clearly there was some way to communicate despite their surroundings.

She sat on her bed and took a deep breath. Rafferty had instructed her to relax. But there was no way she could rest. She had too much on her mind. Too many questions.

Where did she even start?

Was this Rafferty's headquarters? He did have an office here.

This all seemed strategic. This was the perfect location for him to plan all his deeds without being caught.

She froze when she heard a metal door scrape open somewhere in the hallway. Heard footsteps.

Someone spoke. She recognized that voice.

Rafferty. He'd left his office and was headed somewhere else.

Maybe this was her opportunity to explore, to find out more information.

She waited until the footsteps passed.

Then she cracked her door open and peered out.

The hallway was empty.

Rafferty hadn't told her to stay in her room. Hadn't locked her inside. Would it look suspicious if she decided to explore? She could always say she was looking for a bathroom if she were caught.

She had to be smart about this.

She lifted a quick prayer.

Then she slipped from the room and started down the hall.

With every step, she asked God to help her find whatever information she needed.

Heidi stared at Rafferty's office, a room she'd already been in. Yet the space felt foreign.

Thankfully, she'd seen Edward punch in the code earlier. For that reason, she'd been able to get inside.

She didn't know how much time she had. So where did she even start?

Rafferty's desk made the most sense. Really, there was nowhere else. No filing cabinet or anything else where information might be stored. That seemed strange. He would need records of things—unless they were all electronic.

She couldn't be sure.

Of course, she did have some files at her office. Maybe Rafferty didn't feel the need to keep his own records.

Yet that didn't seem like Rafferty. He was a control freak.

Working quickly, she went to the other side of the desk and began opening drawers.

But there was nothing in his desk except what she'd expected—a few office supplies like Post-it notes and pens. His checkbook, which boasted the address of their office in Atlanta. Some breath mints.

There were no files stashed in the drawers. Rafferty was too smart to leave a paper trail.

But wasn't he too smart to leave a digital trail as well?

Whatever information he had, he would keep it secure.

Exactly how would he do that? The element of surprise is your friend. The unexpected can work to your advantage.

Rafferty had often said those words. Now, Heidi needed to think like he did.

She straightened and glanced around. Was there some kind of hidden space in here? There were no pictures to look behind. No plants to look under.

She ran her hand along the cement block wall. If she pressed on the right brick, would a secret compartment be revealed?

The idea seemed crazy.

She tried anyway, halfway expecting a brick to pop out and reveal some hidden files.

They didn't.

The floor was concrete. There were no rugs to search under either.

The only other thing was the mini fridge.

She opened the door. Only water was inside.

She looked behind it. Again, nothing.

She nibbled on her bottom lip as she fought frustration.

She'd risked everything to come here and find information. She had to do everything in her power to succeed.

Just then, a noise sounded in the hallway.

Footsteps, she realized.

Panic raced through her.

There was only one place in the room she could hide.

Underneath the desk.

But if Rafferty came in and sat down, she'd be a goner.

Still, right now, she had no choice but to try, especially as the footsteps came to a stop outside the door.