Chapter 4 - The Flaming Barricade
The heavy police cruiser screeched to a violent halt just inches away from the burning guardhouse.
The massive iron gates blocking the main driveway were completely sealed shut and locked from the inside.
"She knows we are coming for her," Elena gasped in horror, staring blankly at the roaring orange flames.
Miller leaped out of the driver's seat and grabbed a heavy metal crowbar from the trunk of his car.
"Stay right behind me, Elena, and cover your face from the heavy smoke," he commanded loudly over the crackling fire.
He rushed bravely toward the electronic gate control box mounted on the brick pillar.
He smashed the thick glass panel with his tool and forcefully ripped the colored internal wires out.
The heavy iron gates slowly groaned under their own immense weight and slid open just enough for them to squeeze through.
They ran breathlessly up the incredibly long, winding driveway toward the grand entrance of the sprawling mansion.
Elena's heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird desperately trying to finally escape.
She could still hear Lily's faint, exhausted cries echoing faintly from the second-floor window.
Miller pounded his heavy, clenched fist violently against the expensive mahogany front door.
"Police department, open up immediately!" he shouted fiercely at the top of his lungs.
The grand door slowly creaked open, revealing Victoria dressed in a pristine, flowing silk robe.
She looked perfectly calm and entirely composed, completely ignoring the fiery chaos outside her home.
"What is the exact meaning of this ridiculous disruption?" Victoria asked smoothly, raising an arrogant eyebrow.
Elena furiously pushed past Miller and glared directly into the cruel, heartless woman's eyes.
"Open this nursery door right now!" Elena screamed frantically, pointing toward the sweeping staircase.
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Victoria simply smirked maliciously and crossed her thin arms lazily over her chest.
"You have no authority in this mansion anymore," the wicked stepmother sneered in a remarkably condescending tone.
