Chapter 5 - The Ultimatum
I pulled the girls completely flat against the cold concrete floor of the hidden stairwell.
I heard Luca shouting angrily as he fired his heavy weapon down the corridor.
"Go now!" Luca roared over the deafening sound of continuous gunfire.
I crawled quickly on my hands and knees, leading the children deep into the dark tunnels.
The air grew incredibly cold and smelled heavily of damp earth and old wine.
We navigated the winding, pitch-black maze using only the faint glow of the smartphone screen.
Finally, we reached the heavy iron gate that opened up to the private lake docks.
The cold night air hit my face, and the dark water looked terrifyingly deep.
A sleek, black speedboat was tied securely to the wooden wooden pier.
I helped Ellie and Isabella climb carefully into the back of the small vessel.
Suddenly, a massive spotlight clicked on from the second-floor balcony of the mansion.
The bright beam swept across the dark water and pinned us directly in its blinding glare.
A loud, booming voice echoed through the estate's powerful outdoor security speakers.
It was Marco's highly arrogant and cruel voice.
"Anna, I know you are down there at the docks with the children."
"I have your brave friend Luca, and I have my stubborn brother Vincent."
"Bring me the flash drive right now, or I will burn them both alive on the front lawn."
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Isabella stood up in the boat, looking bravely toward the blinding light.
Before I could grab her arm, she jumped onto the wooden pier and started walking back toward the mansion.
