Chapter 5 - The Catacombs
Viktor grabbed Maya roughly but safely, hauling her off the floor.
"Move, kid!" the giant Russian barked.
He dragged her back through the swinging doors into the chaotic kitchen.
Sarah was huddled in the corner, clutching a meat cleaver in trembling hands.
When she saw Maya, she dropped the knife and pulled her daughter into a crushing hug.
"Thank God, thank God," Sarah sobbed into Maya’s hair.
"There is no time for tears," Viktor interrupted, checking the hallway monitor.
"Julian’s men are retreating, but they might circle around to the service exit."
He shoved a heavy metal grate aside, revealing a dark, spiraling stone staircase.
"These are the old Prohibition tunnels," Viktor explained rapidly.
"They lead out past the estate walls."
"Go down, take the left path at the fork, and do not stop until you see the river."
Sarah hesitated, looking at the dark abyss.
"What about you?" she asked.
Viktor racked the bolt of his rifle.
"I am paid to shoot people, not to run," he growled.
He pushed them into the darkness and slammed the heavy iron door shut behind them.
The sound of the battle was instantly muffled, replaced by the eerie silence of the underground.
Sarah turned on the flashlight on Maya’s cracked phone.
The pale light illuminated ancient brick walls covered in damp moss.
The air was freezing and smelled like dirt and old wine.
"Hold my hand, Maya," Sarah whispered, her voice shaking violently.
"Don't let go, no matter what happens."
They began to descend deeper into the earth, their footsteps echoing loudly.
Maya felt surprisingly calm.
She had done what she was supposed to do.
But suddenly, the sound of a heavy boot scraping against stone echoed from above.
May you like
Someone had opened the iron door.
Someone was following them into the dark.
