David stared at the heavy brass key resting in his shaking right palm.
David: Father never lets anyone touch this key, Victoria.
Victoria: He gave it to me this morning for safekeeping while he rested in his private bedroom.
Leo: That is not true! I saw her push him into the dark room behind the library bookshelf!
David grabbed Victoria's wrist firmly before she could rush toward the heavy oak door.
David: You are not leaving this room until we check every single corner of this estate.
Mark: If there is a person trapped inside a hidden space, we must open it immediately.
Leo turned around quickly and ran out into the wide marble hallway toward the ancient family library.
David dragged Victoria along by the arm while the lawyer followed closely behind them with trembling hands.
The library was cold and silent, with dust particles dancing in the bright beams of sunlight.
Leo ran straight to the far back wall where massive wooden bookshelves reached up to the high ceiling.
Leo: It was right behind this heavy section with all the dark green history books!
David shoved the heavy wooden shelf with all his strength until it slid aside on hidden metal tracks.
Behind the shelf stood a solid steel vault door with a large brass keyhole right in the center.
David pressed his ear against the cold metal door and listened with absolute concentration.
From deep inside the dark vault came a faint, muffled thumping sound that made everyone freeze.
David: Father! Are you inside there?! Can you hear my voice?!
A weak voice echoed through the thick steel wall, confirming their worst possible nightmare.
Grandfather: Help me! It is dark and cold in here! Unlock the door!
David turned his head and glared at Victoria with pure hatred burning in his eyes.
David: You monster! You actually locked our own father inside a dark steel box!
Victoria backed away against the tall bookshelf as her face turned completely white as chalk.