Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29 — THE DEEPEST ROOTS
The public betrayal was complete. Within twenty-four hours, the Whitmore name was synonymous with pure evil. The legacy Eleanor had died to protect was completely dismantled in the court of public opinion.
Inside the bunker, the television screen showed images of the Whitmore mansion being seized by the asset forfeiture division of the government. Even the original white box and the remaining baby shoe were photographed as "evidence of a criminal dynasty."
"He didn't want the money," Claire whispered, staring at the screen in horror. "Thomas didn't want the empire. He wanted revenge. He wanted the world to hate us as much as he hated our father for abandoning him in Switzerland."
Alexander stood up, his face dark. "Then we give him what he wants. He wants a monster? We’ll show him what a Whitmore looks like when they have nothing left to lose."
Suddenly, the lights in the underground bunker flickered.
A high-frequency tracking signal began to beep on the security monitor. Someone was broadcasting an active locator beacon from inside the bunker itself.
Alexander ran to the control panel. "How did they find us?! This location is entirely off the grid!"
Lily walked out of the bunk room, her eyes groggy from sleep. She was holding the red baby shoe, but her fingers were sticky with a strange, oily substance that was oozing from the worn leather sole.
"Mommy," Lily said, holding out the shoe. "The little shoe is ticking. It’s making a funny sound."
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Claire gasped, grabbing the shoe from Lily’s hands. She ripped open the old leather lining. Deep inside the heel, embedded in a layer of ancient resin, was a microscopic, military-grade GPS transponder. It hadn't been activated by Thomas. It had been activated the moment the shoe was brought into the high-altitude climate of the mountains.
The red shoes weren't just a signal for Eleanor. They were a homing beacon for the Vanguard Group.
