Chapter 13 - THE ROOM WITHOUT WINDOWSBy 10:18 p.m., Rachel had contacted federal investigators.
The evidence recovered from the cemetery was photographed, secured, and transferred to attorney Daniel Mercer for preservation.
Sofia wanted to rush straight to the hospital.
But Rachel stopped her.
“Adrian knows you're looking. If you walk in alone, he'll control the situation.”
Sofia stared at her.
“My parents are trapped down there.”
“I know.”
“Then do something.”
Rachel placed a hand on her shoulder.
“We are.”
An investigator named Agent Thomas Hale arrived at the cemetery shortly afterward.
He was a broad-shouldered man in his late forties, with a calm voice and tired eyes.
He reviewed the documents.
Then listened as Sofia explained everything.
The fake deaths.
The kidnapped children.
The hidden research wing.
The missing patient.
The six dogs.
Hale didn't laugh.
He didn't dismiss her.
He asked questions.
Careful ones.
Specific ones.
Then he said:
“We have enough to request immediate protective action, but I need to verify where your parents are being held.”
Sofia handed him her phone.
“My mother called from inside the hospital.”
Hale examined the number.
Then contacted his team.
Within minutes, investigators began coordinating with local authorities and hospital leadership outside the suspected conspiracy.
Dr. Reed agreed to cooperate.
So did Daniel Price, the security supervisor.
They provided access records, camera footage, and maintenance plans.
At 11:07 p.m., Hale returned.
“We've confirmed unauthorized activity in the underground wing.”
Sofia stepped forward.
“Then go get them.”
“We're preparing to enter.”
“I want to come.”
“No.”
Sofia stared at him.
“That's my family.”
“I understand. But your safety matters too.”
She shook her head.
“You don't understand.”
Hale waited.
Sofia's voice broke.
“I spent twenty-nine years believing my father was dead. Twelve years believing my mother was dead. And twenty-three years not knowing I had a sister.”
Tears ran down her cheeks.
“I can't lose them again.”
Hale's expression softened.
“You've already done more than anyone could reasonably ask. Let us bring them out.”
Sofia looked toward the dogs.
Atlas stood beside her.
His eyes were fixed on the hospital across the road.
Then Daisy began whining.
She pulled toward the service entrance.
Sofia remembered her training.
Chemical detection.
Old laboratories.
She looked at Hale.
“Daisy can identify the chemical odor associated with Meridian's old facilities.”
Hale frowned.
“Is she a certified detection dog?”
“No. But she was trained for a specific odor by my mother.”
He considered this.
“We can't rely on an unverified alert alone.”
“I know. But she might help you find the right corridor.”
Hale looked toward his team.
Then nodded.
“We'll have our personnel assess it.”
At 11:24 p.m., investigators entered the underground wing through a secured maintenance access point.
Sofia remained outside with Elise and Rachel.
The minutes crawled.
Then the radio crackled.
“Lower level clear.”
Another pause.
“Moving toward restricted corridor.”
Sofia gripped Elise's hand.
A third transmission followed.
“Found occupied rooms.”
Her heart pounded.
Then:
“Two patients located.”
Sofia began crying.
Elise held her tighter.
But the next words silenced them.
“One male. One female. Both alive.”
Sofia covered her mouth.
Her parents.
Alive.
Then the radio crackled again.
“Wait.”
A pause.
“There's another room.”
Sofia looked toward Hale.
His expression changed as he listened.
May you like
The voice on the radio sounded shaken.
“Agent Hale, you need to see this. There are more people down here.”
