Chapter 2 - The Hidden Passage
"Stay exactly where you are," Gabriel ordered, dropping the weeping nanny to the floor.
He walked over to the massive bookshelf lining the back wall of the nursery.
With one forceful push against a specific wooden panel, the entire shelf swung inward, revealing a dark, narrow tunnel.
"A panic room?" I asked, my heart hammering against my bruised ribs.
"An extraction route," he corrected, turning back to look at me.
"Grab the baby's emergency medical bag and follow me."
I didn't hesitate for a single second.
I zipped up my uniform, carefully wrapping Mateo in a thick, warm blanket, pressing his tiny, fragile body against mine.
The nanny scrambled to her feet, begging Gabriel to take her with us.
Gabriel looked at her with eyes devoid of any human mercy.
"You starved my son," he said coldly.
"You can wait here and explain yourself to the men outside."
He shoved me gently into the dark tunnel and pulled the heavy bookshelf shut just as the nursery door was kicked open.
The sound of Marcus shouting my name was instantly muffled by the thick concrete walls of the hidden passage.
Gabriel clicked on a small tactical flashlight, illuminating the steep stone stairs leading down into the earth.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer than I had ever heard it.
"I have your son," I replied fiercely, adjusting my grip on the sleeping infant.
"He is safe, and I will not let them touch him."
Gabriel stared at me for a long moment, seeing the absolute, ferocious determination of a grieving mother.
May you like
"I know you won't," he murmured.
We descended into the darkness, leaving the burning chaos of the mansion far behind us.
