Chapter 3 - The Escape Route
Daniel realized he was entirely surrounded by enemies in a place meant for healing.
He grabbed a heavy medical cart and shoved it violently across the doorway of the trauma room.
The cart slammed into the frame, creating a temporary barricade against the approaching security guards.
"We have to leave right now," Daniel told Emma, pulling his service weapon from its holster.
He looked at Olivia, who was still unconscious but breathing steadily with the oxygen mask.
He carefully disconnected her monitors and lifted her small, fragile body into his arms.
Emma grabbed the sealed evidence envelope from the counter and stuffed it into her hoodie pocket.
"There is a service elevator at the end of this hall," the terrified lab technician whispered.
Daniel nodded his thanks and kicked open the rear door connecting to the sterile supply corridor.
He sprinted down the narrow hallway with Olivia in his arms and Emma running fast beside him.
He could hear Michael shouting furious orders to his guards just behind them.
"Find them before they leave this building or you are all fired," Michael's voice echoed loudly.
They reached the service elevator and Daniel pounded the down button repeatedly.
The metal doors slid open just as two armed guards turned the corner into the hallway.
Daniel pushed the girls inside and fired a single warning shot into the ceiling.
The deafening gunshot forced the guards to duck for cover, giving the elevator doors time to close.
They descended into the dark, damp basement level of the massive hospital.
Daniel knew his police cruiser was parked out front, which meant it was entirely useless now.
He led the girls through the underground laundry facility toward the employee parking garage.
He spotted an old, unlocked maintenance van with the keys still sitting on the dashboard.
He gently laid Olivia on the back seat and strapped Emma in beside her.
As he started the engine, his police radio broadcast an emergency citywide alert.
"All units be advised, Officer Daniel Reed is now considered a highly dangerous suspect."
The dispatcher's voice remained completely flat and devoid of any emotion.
"He has kidnapped two minors and is considered armed and extremely unstable."
Daniel gripped the steering wheel tightly as he sped out of the dark parking garage.
He was now a wanted fugitive hunted by his own police department.
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Suddenly, Olivia opened her eyes and gasped for air, pointing wildly at her own throat.
"It burns," she choked out before her eyes rolled back into her head completely.
