Chapter 7 - The Fire Wall
David flicked the silver lighter open, producing a small but brilliant orange flame.
He tossed it directly into the expanding cloud of pressurized chemical gas.
A massive wall of fire erupted instantly, separating David and the children from the choking principal.
Hayes screamed in agony as the heat forced him to retreat back into the ruined classroom.
The intense flames licked the ceiling, triggering the school’s emergency sprinkler system.
Freezing cold water rained down upon the laboratory, creating a thick curtain of blinding white steam.
David knew the fire would not hold the armed mercenaries back for very long.
He grabbed the teacher’s arm and ordered her to lead the children toward the emergency fire exit at the back of the lab.
Julian grabbed Lily's hand, pulling her safely out from under the heavy slate tables.
The group moved quickly and silently through the steam, keeping their heads low to avoid the smoke.
They reached the heavy red fire door, but David discovered the push-bar was entirely welded shut.
The principal had truly anticipated everything, sealing the entire wing of the building to trap them inside.
David cursed under his breath, desperately searching the lab for another way out.
He noticed a large metal grate on the floor, designed for draining chemical spills into the sewer lines below.
David grabbed a heavy steel crowbar from a tool rack and jammed it under the edge of the iron grate.
He strained with all his might, his muscles burning until the rusted metal finally gave way with a loud screech.
A dark, narrow maintenance tunnel was revealed, smelling strongly of damp earth and old copper pipes.
He ushered the children down the small metal ladder one by one, ensuring they had secure footing.
Just as David prepared to climb down himself, a series of gunshots echoed through the steam.
A bullet grazed David's shoulder, tearing through his jacket and sending a sharp sting of pain down his arm.
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He looked back and saw a massive mercenary charging through the dying flames with a tactical knife drawn.
David realized he could not climb down the ladder without exposing his back to a fatal strike.
