Chapter 1 - The Burning Trap
The heavy wooden door clicked shut, sealing them inside the blazing shed.
Roman Duca stared through the thickening black smoke at the three-year-old girl.
Maisie stood frozen, her tiny hands still gripping the red rubber hose.
Water sprayed wildly across the dirt floor, missing the creeping flames entirely.
Roman pulled furiously at the marine cord binding his wrists to the cedar post.
The ropes bit deep into his skin, but they held firm.
The heat was becoming unbearable.
He had to get the child out before the roof collapsed.
"Maisie, listen to my voice," Roman coughed, keeping his tone perfectly calm.
The little girl looked up, her blue eyes wide with terror.
"I need you to bring that water over here," he instructed gently.
She nodded slowly, dragging the heavy hose toward him step by step.
"Point it at the fire on the workbench," Roman said.
Maisie squeezed her eyes shut and aimed the nozzle.
A powerful stream of water blasted the flames, creating a massive cloud of white steam.
The immediate danger receded, but the structural beams above them were still burning.
"Now soak my hands," Roman ordered.
Maisie turned the hose on him, drenching his clothes and the thick ropes.
The wet marine cord expanded just enough for Roman to twist his bloody wrists.
With a brutal snap, he dislocated his own thumb and pulled his left hand free.
He ignored the blinding pain and quickly untied his right hand, then his ankles.
Roman scooped Maisie up into his arms, covering her face with his wet shirt.
He backed up, took a deep breath, and kicked the burning shed door with all his might.
The iron latch shattered, sending them tumbling out onto the cool gravel.
Roman rolled to shield the child, gasping for the fresh evening air.
As he caught his breath, his eyes locked onto something shiny resting near the hedge.
It was a solid gold lighter, custom-engraved with a roaring lion.
May you like
Roman's blood ran cold.
That lighter belonged to his older brother, Leo.
