Chapter 8 - The Train Escape
The shipping container swayed violently in the air as the massive industrial crane moved us across the loading yard.
We were plunged into absolute, pitch-black darkness, surrounded by the terrifying sound of grinding metal and shouting cartel guards.
With a heavy, bone-rattling thud, our container was dropped onto the flatbed of a massive freight train.
The loud hiss of the train's air brakes released, and the massive diesel engines slowly began pulling us out of the city limits.
"They are shipping us to Mexico, Alexander, we are going to die in this box," Lucy cried, panic finally breaking her incredible composure.
I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as the train rapidly picked up speed through the dark countryside.
I turned on my phone's flashlight, desperately scanning the interior of the container for any possible way to escape.
I spotted a heavy steel crowbar and a rusted blowtorch left behind by the loading crew in the corner of the box.
I grabbed the tools and immediately began working on the heavy locking mechanism on the interior of the doors.
It took forty minutes of grueling, sweat-soaked labor to finally break the thick steel pins holding the doors shut.
I kicked the heavy doors open, revealing the dark, blurry landscape rushing past us at seventy miles per hour.
"We have to jump into the river when the train crosses the bridge up ahead!" I yelled over the deafening roar of the wheels.
Lucy nodded bravely, gripping my hand tightly as we stood at the very edge of the open container.
When the train rattled onto the massive steel bridge, we leaped out into the freezing, empty night air.
We hit the deep river water with brutal force, fighting the strong current to eventually drag ourselves onto the muddy banks.
We walked for hours through the freezing woods, finally reaching a small diner where I traded my expensive watch for a ride back to Chicago.
"I am so sorry I didn't believe you three years ago, Lucy, you are the strongest person I have ever known," I confessed during the ride.
Lucy looked out the window, a single tear rolling down her dirty cheek as she silently accepted my long-overdue apology.
We finally arrived back at the cheap motel just as the sun began to rise over the city skyline.
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I pushed the door open, but my heart instantly stopped when I saw Maya sitting on the edge of the bed.
She was holding a loaded gun directly against our paralyzed father's head.
