Chapter 7 - The Train Tracks
I pressed the gas pedal all the way to the floorboard, pushing the massive SUV to its absolute limit.
The dark, winding road leading to the abandoned railway crossing was completely unpaved.
Mud and rocks flew up against the windshield as I drifted dangerously around the final corner.
My headlights pierced through the heavy rain and illuminated the rusted steel train tracks.
Sitting perfectly parallel across the metal rails was Sarah's silver sedan.
The deafening rumble of the approaching freight train vibrated through the steering wheel.
I slammed on the brakes, throwing the SUV into a muddy ditch just yards away from the tracks.
I stumbled out of the car, clutching my bleeding shoulder, and sprinted toward the sedan.
I could hear the frantic, muffled screams of my daughter coming from inside the locked trunk.
The massive, glaring headlight of the train cut through the darkness, bearing down on us rapidly.
I grabbed the heavy metal tow hook from the back of the SUV with my good arm.
I swung it with every ounce of desperate strength I had left, smashing the sedan's rear window.
I reached through the broken glass, tearing my skin, and frantically pulled the emergency trunk release handle.
The trunk popped open, revealing Lily huddled inside, crying and terrified.
I grabbed her tiny body and threw us both backward into the tall, wet grass.
Less than two seconds later, the massive freight train obliterated the silver sedan in a shower of sparks and twisted metal.
The sheer force of the impact sent a shockwave of heat crashing over us.
I held Lily tightly to my chest, weeping with relief as the train roared past us.
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But the nightmare was not completely over yet.
I heard the distinct, heavy click of a shotgun pumping directly behind my head.
