The tunnel pulsed with an eerie crimson glow, casting sinister shadows that danced along the walls.


    Suddenly, a hand mped down over Debra''s mouth and nose. Panic shot through her, but she instantly recognized the sharp, medicinal scent. It was the same drug Drake had used on her back in Seamar City.


    She held her breath and went limp, letting her body copse like a rag doll. As she fell, she pinched her thigh brutally, using the pain to keep herself teetering on the edge of consciousness.


    She bet many secrets were hidden in this ce. It was her chance to find out.


    Before she could think further, she felt herself being hoisted over a shoulder and carried down the passage. The soft hum of machinery vibrated through the air, and momentster, she was lowered onto a small, concealed vehicle. After a short trip, she was carried into an elevator that then paused with a chime. Soon, a familiar voice wafted into her ears.


    "Careful! Don''t bruise her," Hand grumbled. "Who told you to drug Ms. Frazier?"


    A nervous reply came, "I was afraid she''d make a sound. If Miss Sharp heard it, we''d be in trouble."


    Hand understood the situation. "How long till shees around?"


    "About half an hour. It was a light dose."


    "Alright, leave us."


    "Yes, sir!"N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Lightly opening her eyes, she took in her surroundings. The ce looked just like the casino.


    But they were not on the first or second floors. She suspected it was the third floor that was reserved only for the most powerful guests.


    "Get her to the second-floor lounge," Hand whispered. "And remember, she''s not to be touched. Mr. Lowe will handle things personally." "Yes, sir." Two guards hurried forward, lifting her with exaggerated care.


    Debra stayed limp as they carried her down the stairs. As soon as theyid her on a chaise longue and left, she cracked one eye open.


    Debra inhaled deeply, shaking off the lingering drowsiness. She spotted a bottle of water on a nearby table and grabbed it, downing the contents in one long gulp. Every drop helped flush the remaining drug from her system.


    Taking a breath, she pushed the door open a sliver and peered into the hallway.


    No guards Hand must''ve


    assumed she was knocked out cold. Slipping into the corridor, she


    hugged the wall and made her way to the elevator she remembered


    seeing earlier.


    It was not guarded, likely because it wasn''t yet time for the guests to arrive. That''s probably why she hadn''t heard anymotion on the third floor earlier.


    This time, she noticed the small, discreet card reader mounted beside the elevator. No ess without a gold card or an employee pass.


    While she was at a loss, Hand''s voice echoed up from below. "Make it quick. These are new goods. Get them upstairs immediately."


    The voice wasn''ting from the first floor, but rather from the basement.


    Normally, goods should be delivered through the front or back doors on the first floor. She wondered what kind of goods needed to be transported from the basement.


    Earlier, she had been transported


    straight to the third floor without passing through the first or second floors, just like these goods. Clearly, they were transporting more than just merchandise.