Chapter 3 - The Vault
Vincent drew his weapon faster than the corrupt doctor could blink.
Two deafening shots shattered the silence of the great room.
Dr. Evans collapsed backward onto the marble floor, completely motionless.
The sound of gunfire echoed through the massive estate.
Clare covered Ellie's ears and screamed.
"Get them to the underground vault," Dominic ordered Vincent, his voice tight with pain.
"I am not staying here!" Clare cried out.
"Arthur has already compromised my entire security team," Dominic growled.
"The vault is the only room in this house with biometric locks."
Vincent grabbed Clare's arm gently but firmly.
"Please, Clare, he is trying to protect you."
Clare looked at the dead doctor on the floor and realized she had no choice.
She picked Ellie up and followed Vincent down a hidden staircase behind the library.
The vault was a massive steel room filled with emergency supplies and monitors.
Vincent locked the heavy blast door behind them.
"Stay here until I come back to get you," Vincent instructed.
He left them alone in the cold, windowless bunker.
Clare set Ellie down on a plush leather sofa.
She paced the length of the room, trying to calm her racing heart.
She noticed a small, folded piece of paper resting on a stack of gold bullion.
It had her name written on the front in elegant black ink.
Her hands shook as she picked it up and unfolded it.
The note was brief and terrifying.
"Take your daughter and run through the service tunnels, or you both die tonight."
It was signed with a single letter.
"G."
Gabriel Vale was inside the house.
Clare looked at the heavy steel door.
She knew she could not wait for Vincent to return.
She grabbed a heavy flashlight from the emergency kit.
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"Come on, Ellie," Clare whispered.
"We are going to play a hiding game in the dark."
