Elena’s investigation takes her to Rotterdam’s lively cultural heart—Witte de Withstraat. But beneath its vibrant façade, the street harbors secrets that threaten to pull Elena deeper into danger.
A Rotterdam Story | Spoilers Podcast | S1E11
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.
Seeking refuge
Heart still racing from her narrow escape in Oude Haven, Elena swiftly made her way toward Witte de Withstraat, seeking the anonymity of its busy nightlife. As she emerged onto the bustling street, the neon glow from cafés and bars illuminated a lively crowd spilling onto sidewalks and terraces. The atmosphere was festive, oblivious to Elena’s turmoil.
She slowed her pace, blending into the throng near Café De Witte Aap, known for attracting an international, eclectic crowd. She glanced nervously behind her, checking to see if she’d been followed. The street, alive with music and conversation, provided a comforting illusion of safety.
Hidden in plain sight
Catching her breath, Elena’s thoughts turned urgently to the sailor's warning. Could there truly be a hidden network beneath Rotterdam connecting various parts of the city? If so, perhaps the secrets of De Verborgenen were embedded deeper into the city's foundations than she'd ever imagined.
Her gaze settled on the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art—now known as Kunstinstituut Melly—its contemporary facade standing stark against the historic buildings around it. A sudden intuition nudged her forward. Perhaps the city's cultural heart held clues to its concealed past.
Inside the art institute, quiet replaced the vibrant chaos of the street. The contemporary exhibits offered little solace, but Elena’s attention was drawn to a small historical display tucked discreetly in a corner. Black-and-white photos depicted the neighborhood post-war, buildings scarred yet defiant. One image, however, caught her breath—a familiar symbol etched subtly into a brick wall behind a smiling group of artists. The same enigmatic 'R' symbol she'd seen on her grandmother’s necklace.
A chance encounter
“Interesting, isn’t it?” a soft voice said behind her.
Startled, Elena turned to see a middle-aged woman, elegantly dressed, studying the photograph over Elena’s shoulder. Her sharp eyes assessed Elena with curiosity. “Few people notice these little details,” she continued. “Especially that symbol.”
“You recognize it?” Elena asked cautiously.
“Indeed,” the woman replied with a knowing smile. “I'm Margriet, a historian specializing in Rotterdam’s hidden histories. Symbols like that don't appear by accident.”
Elena felt a surge of cautious hope. “Could you tell me more? I’ve been researching De Verborgenen.”
Margriet’s eyes flickered briefly, her expression shifting subtly to guarded curiosity. “Let's discuss this somewhere less public.”
Revelations at Bazar
Minutes later, they were seated in Bazar, its vibrant interior providing a colorful yet private space for conversation. The fragrant aroma of Middle Eastern spices filled the air, contrasting sharply with the tension at their secluded corner table.
Margriet stirred her tea thoughtfully. “De Verborgenen aren't simply folklore—they’ve existed in secrecy for generations, woven into Rotterdam’s very fabric.”
“My grandmother had connections to them,” Elena confessed, showing Margriet the photograph on her phone.
Margriet studied it carefully, her gaze intense. “She was likely involved in safeguarding their secrets—something they considered worth risking their lives for. During reconstruction after the war, De Verborgenen played a significant role in protecting certain hidden locations beneath the city.”
Elena leaned forward, pulse quickening. “Like tunnels?”
Margriet nodded gravely. “Exactly. And not just any tunnels. Historical passages, some dating back centuries. Rumors say they still connect key locations around Rotterdam—Museumpark, Delfshaven, even here beneath Witte de Withstraat itself.”
Beneath the surface
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Margriet’s ringing phone. She glanced at the screen, face paling slightly. “I must go,” she whispered urgently. “Be careful, Elena. You're not the only one looking into this, and the others are less forgiving.”
Before Elena could respond, Margriet stood quickly, disappearing into the bustling crowd. Elena sat for a moment, absorbing everything. A network beneath Witte de Withstraat? It sounded improbable, yet compellingly plausible.
Deciding to investigate further, Elena stepped back into the night, heading toward a narrow alley beside Ter Marsch & Co. Carefully scanning the ground, she noticed an old metal hatch partially obscured by crates and debris. Heart pounding, she moved them aside and pulled at the rusted handle. With effort, the hatch lifted, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.
Before she could reconsider, footsteps echoed behind her. She spun around, heart hammering. Emerging from the shadows, the man with the scarf approached, eyes narrowed in grim determination.
“Elena,” he warned coldly, “you've ignored our warnings for the last time.”
Acting on sheer instinct, Elena quickly slipped into the opening, pulling the hatch closed just as he lunged toward her. His frustrated shout echoed above as darkness enveloped her.
Breathless and shaken, Elena turned on her phone’s flashlight. Ahead stretched a dimly lit passageway, ancient bricks whispering secrets long hidden beneath Rotterdam’s vibrant heart.
