A Rotterdam Story | Chapter 10 | Beneath the Surface

Elena digs deeper into the connection between her grandmother and De Verborgenen, uncovering hidden layers beneath Rotterdam's familiar streets. But her investigation takes a dangerous turn as unseen forces move to stop her.

A Rotterdam Story | Spoilers Podcast | S1E10

If you're a fan of spoilers, listen to the latest podcast episode, in which our hosts discuss and analyse the events of this chapter.

Quiet contemplation

Elena stood quietly by the Maas, the cold breeze ruffling her hair as she absorbed the revelations she'd uncovered. The shimmering lights of the Erasmusbrug danced on the water's surface, reflecting her unsettled thoughts. Her grandmother hadn't simply been a visitor in Rotterdam—she had been deeply involved with De Verborgenen. Elena’s pulse quickened at the realization.

What secrets had her grandmother kept hidden all these years? What had she risked, and why?

She glanced at her phone, revisiting the photograph of her grandmother. The 'R' symbol now seemed hauntingly familiar, a tangible link connecting past and present. She knew she couldn't turn back now; she had to see this through.

Returning to Het Park

Driven by instinct, Elena decided to revisit Het Park, where this entire journey had begun. She hailed a taxi at the Wilhelminapier and made her way through the city's evening bustle, the glow of streetlights illuminating busy streets and bustling cafés. Arriving at Het Park, she stepped onto the gravel path, the trees casting long, eerie shadows under the pale moonlight.

Walking slowly, she retraced her previous steps until she reached the hidden staircase they'd discovered beneath the moss-covered grate. She knelt, brushing away leaves and debris. With determination, she carefully lifted the grate and cautiously descended the staircase once more into darkness.

Discoveries in the dark

The chamber beneath the park was as silent and cold as before. Elena switched on her flashlight, its beam slicing through the gloom. The walls whispered with ancient memories as she approached the old wooden door carved with intricate symbols, including the windmill with numbered blades they'd previously deciphered.

Taking a closer look, she noticed additional symbols beneath layers of dirt and grime. Brushing them clean, Elena's breath quickened—these markings matched the necklace her grandmother had worn in the photograph. She realized they formed a hidden code, possibly another puzzle.

Quickly, she captured photos of the new symbols. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. This hidden chamber wasn't merely a meeting place; it held deeper secrets, perhaps keys to understanding her grandmother's role within De Verborgenen.

A Rotterdam Story | Chapter 10 | Beneath the Surface

Echoes in Oude Haven

Emerging from the underground, Elena quickly replaced the grate and left Het Park, her thoughts swirling. She decided to visit Oude Haven, knowing its historical docks had witnessed centuries of Rotterdam's secrets. Maybe there she'd find someone or something connected to her grandmother's past.

The picturesque harbour was lively, bars and restaurants bustling with patrons. Elena, however, moved past the crowd toward the quieter edges, closer to the old sailing ships moored silently, their wooden hulls creaking gently.

Near an antique sailing vessel, she spotted an elderly sailor adjusting ropes. His lined face told stories of a lifetime spent at sea. Elena approached cautiously, pulling up the photograph on her phone.

“Excuse me,” she began, holding out the image. “Does this woman look familiar to you? Perhaps you've heard of De Verborgenen?”

The sailor's eyes widened momentarily, then narrowed warily. He hesitated, then lowered his voice. “Where did you find that picture?”

“She's my grandmother,” Elena answered quietly. “I'm trying to find out what happened to her here.”

The sailor glanced around uneasily. “This isn't a safe conversation,” he whispered. “De Verborgenen are still watching. You need to be careful.”

“Please,” Elena insisted, her voice firm but pleading. “Tell me what you know.”

He sighed deeply. “They meet at a hidden location beneath the city, an old network of tunnels connecting different districts. Few know about them—fewer still talk openly.”

A Rotterdam Story | Chapter 10 | Beneath the Surface

Danger in the shadows

As Elena thanked him and began to move away, she sensed eyes upon her. Turning quickly, she glimpsed a shadowy figure slipping behind a stack of crates. Her heart pounded. Was she being followed?

Acting on instinct, she ducked through the narrow passageways near the water, trying to shake her pursuer. But footsteps echoed behind her, growing steadily closer.

Elena quickened her pace, breaking into a run. She darted through the darkened alleys surrounding Oude Haven, her breathing shallow and rapid. Reaching a corner, she turned sharply—and collided directly with someone.

She stumbled back, breathless, staring up into the face of the man who had been shadowing her. His scarf was pulled up around his face, but his eyes were unmistakably cold and intent.

“You've been warned,” he said harshly. “Leave this alone."

Gathering her courage, Elena stood her ground. “I can't. This involves my family.”

With swift, sudden movement, he grabbed her arm, attempting to pull her deeper into the shadows. Adrenaline surged through Elena. She reacted instinctively, striking out forcefully and breaking free. Stumbling away, she turned and sprinted toward the bright lights and voices of Oude Haven’s crowded restaurants.

Breathless and shaken, Elena blended quickly into the crowd, her mind racing. The danger was more real than she'd imagined, but she knew one thing with certainty—she was closer than ever to uncovering the truth about De Verborgenen and her grandmother’s hidden past.