The engineers huddled over their maps again, voices clipped with disbelief. “No record of any tunnel here. Not on historical surveys, not on utility grids.” Another shook his head. “This isn’t an old structure. This was dug.” The word dug carried a weight, like an accusation thrown at the earth itself.
Daniel stepped closer. “If you want my opinion,” he said carefully, “this soil was disturbed recently. Weeks, maybe months—not decades. A natural sinkhole doesn’t reveal bracing like that.” The lead engineer glanced at him, skepticism giving way to curiosity. “You said you’re a geologist, right? You willing to consult?”