Chapter 7 - The Inferno.
I tumbled down the wooden steps, pain erupting across my ribs and shoulders as I hit the concrete floor.
I gasped for air, the wind completely knocked out of my lungs.
Before I could even try to stand, the heavy basement door slammed shut at the top of the stairs.
I heard the distinct, terrifying click of the exterior deadbolt sliding into place.
Ryan had successfully locked me in the windowless, soundproof basement.
I dragged myself up the stairs and pounded my fists against the solid wood, screaming for help.
Ryan's muffled voice echoed from the other side of the door.
"Goodbye," he said simply.
A few seconds later, the unmistakable smell of gasoline began to seep through the crack under the door.
He was pouring fuel across the hardwood floors of the hallway and the kitchen.
He was going to burn the house to the ground and make it look like a tragic accident.
Panic surged through my veins, but the primal need to survive for my daughter overrode my fear.
I ran down the stairs and desperately searched the dark basement for a way out.
The only exit was a small, narrow ventilation shaft near the ceiling that led to the backyard.
It was covered by a heavy iron grate that had been bolted into the concrete foundation.
I grabbed a rusted pipe wrench from Ryan's old toolbox and climbed onto the washing machine.
I swung the heavy wrench at the bolts, fighting through the agonizing pain in my bruised ribs.
Above me, a loud explosion echoed through the floorboards.
The fire had finally ignited.
Smoke began pouring down into the basement through the air vents, thick and choking.
I smashed the wrench against the final bolt, screaming in pure exertion.
The iron grate finally gave way, clattering onto the concrete floor.
I squeezed my shoulders into the narrow shaft, dragging my body through the dirt and cobwebs.
The heat radiating from the floor above me was becoming absolutely unbearable.
I pushed my head through the exterior opening and tumbled out into the freezing mud of the backyard.
I gasped for clean, cold air as the entire first floor of my house erupted into massive flames.
I scrambled away from the burning structure, hiding behind the tall wooden fence.
I watched as Ryan casually walked out of the front door, slipping into the shadows to escape.
I had survived his trap, but my relief was instantly shattered by a terrifying realization.
Ryan had not mentioned Jessica a single time during his evil monologue.
If Ryan was here trying to kill me, then Jessica was completely unaccounted for.
I pulled my burner phone from my pocket and dialed Sarah's number in a total panic.
Sarah answered, her voice trembling with sheer terror.
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"She's here," Sarah whispered into the phone.
"Jessica just broke into the safe house, and she has a gun."
