Chapter 8 - The Descent
Maxwell pulled Martha behind the cover of a marble statue.
Bullets shattered the stone, sending sharp fragments flying into the air.
"I can't run," Maxwell whispered, leaning heavily against her shoulder.
"You don't have to," Martha replied, handing him the gun she took from Delaney.
"Just shoot straight."
Maxwell leaned around the statue and fired two precise shots.
Two of the attackers dropped instantly.
The third man retreated in panic down the burning stairs.
Martha wrapped her arm around Maxwell's waist to support his weight.
They navigated the smoky corridors, relying on Martha's memory of the servant passages.
The air grew hotter as they descended toward the garage.
"You saved my life," Maxwell said between strained breaths.
"You saved mine first," Martha reminded him.
They finally reached the heavy steel door of the underground garage.
Martha pushed it open, hoping to find a clear path to an armored SUV.
Instead, the harsh overhead lights revealed a standoff.
Miss Delaney stood near the exit, holding a briefcase.
Facing her was Silas Rourke, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
Silas had his gun pointed directly at the housekeeper's head.
"You really thought you could steal from my family and burn my house?" Silas spat.
Maxwell and Martha stepped out of the stairwell.
Silas turned his head, staring in absolute shock at his paralyzed brother standing on two feet.
"Max?" Silas gasped, lowering his weapon slightly.
Delaney took advantage of the distraction and pulled a hidden derringer from her sleeve.
May you like
She aimed it squarely at Maxwell's chest.
"Say goodbye, boss," Delaney sneered.
