Chapter 5 - The Hidden Trap
Alejandro stepped cautiously into the pitch black darkness of the underground servant tunnels.
The air smelled strongly of damp earth and the heavy metallic scent of ancient copper pipes.
He turned on a small tactical flashlight and swept the narrow beam across the damp stone walls.
He knew every single hidden passage and secret exit in the massive estate better than anyone else.
He took a dangerous shortcut through the old wine cellar to cut off his brother's escape route.
He moved silently across the dusty stone floor like a hunting ghost seeking pure vengeance.
He heard a muffled sob echoing from a small storage room at the end of the dark corridor.
He kicked the rotting wooden door open and pointed his flashlight into the tiny space.
Claire was tied securely to a heavy wooden chair with thick metal wire wrapping around her wrists.
Lorenzo was nowhere to be seen in the dark and cramped storage closet.
Alejandro rushed forward to untie the innocent woman who was weeping in absolute terror.
He noticed a strange red light blinking rapidly beneath the seat of her wooden chair.
He knelt down and saw a massive block of military grade explosives wired directly to the seat.
The digital timer on the bomb was counting down rapidly and showed less than thirty seconds remaining.
Lorenzo had never intended to use Claire as a hostage for his ultimate escape.
He had intentionally used the terrified mother as a deadly bait trap to kill his powerful brother.
Claire begged Alejandro to run away and save himself before the bomb destroyed them both.
Alejandro flatly refused to leave the brave woman behind to die in the cold darkness.
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He pulled a sharp tactical knife from his pocket and carefully examined the complex electrical wiring.
He had less than fifteen seconds to make a choice that would decide both of their fates.
