Chapter 18 - The Vault Behind the Flag
As the movers cleared out the remaining Sterling furniture, David noticed a tiny seam in the wood paneling behind the foyer flag.
He carefully lifted the heavy brass frame of the framed US flag off its wall mounts, setting it aside.
Hidden directly beneath the mounting bracket was a biometric fingerprint scanner embedded into the mahogany wall.
David pressed his thumb against the glass screen, which chimed softly before flashing a green light.
A section of the mahogany paneling slid open with a pneumatic hiss, revealing a heavy steel wall safe.
Inside lay three leather-bound journals belonging to David's grandfather, the founder of Vance Shipyards.
Beneath the journals sat a velvet box containing a set of pristine naval service medals and a gold signet ring.
David picked up the signet ring, recognizing the crest of the United States Naval Academy engraved on the face.
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Inside the band was an inscription: "To Thomas... Protect the Dynasty."
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