Chapter 8 - The Escape Tunnel
The heavy steel deadbolts began sliding backward one by one with a terrifying, metallic screech.
Damon forced himself to his feet, gripping his handgun with absolute, lethal determination.
"There is an old Prohibition-era escape tunnel beneath the floorboards," he gasped, pointing to the corner of the room.
Ren grabbed a heavy iron pry bar and desperately ripped the wooden planks away to reveal a dark, narrow chute.
"I am not leaving you behind to die!" she screamed, refusing to jump into the tunnel alone.
"I will follow right behind you, just go!" he ordered fiercely, pushing her toward the opening.
Ren slid down into the damp, incredibly dark earth just as the safe room door violently swung open.
Damon fired three rapid shots into the doorway to provide cover before diving into the chute right after her.
They crawled frantically through the freezing, muddy tunnel while chaotic gunfire echoed from the safe room above.
Ren used her phone's flashlight to guide them, praying the battery would last until they reached the surface.
Damon was losing blood far too quickly, his breathing turning into a dangerous, wet rattle.
"We are almost there, just keep moving," Ren encouraged him, pulling his heavy arm over her shoulder.
They finally reached a rusted iron grate that led out into the dense, foggy woods at the edge of the massive estate.
Ren pushed the heavy grate open and helped Damon climb out into the freezing night air.
They stumbled toward the hidden access road, desperately hoping to find a car or a way to contact the police.
A dark figure stepped out from behind a massive oak tree, completely blocking their only path to freedom.
Ren raised the heavy iron pry bar, ready to fight to the absolute death to protect the man she loved.
The moonlight broke through the thick fog, revealing the weathered face of the housekeeper, Ruth.
Ruth was holding a heavy shotgun aimed directly at Damon's bleeding chest.
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"I am so incredibly sorry, Mister Cole," Ruth whispered, tears streaming down her wrinkled face.
"But Silas promised to pay for my grandson's leukemia treatment if I simply unlocked the doors for him tonight."
