Chapter 6 - The Barrier
Julian slammed the brakes. The heavy vehicle skidded sideways, tires screeching against wet slate before slamming to a halt barely three feet from the edge of the newly formed mudslide. A massive boulder and a tangled web of pine roots completely blocked the roadway. There was no driving through it.
""Julian!"" Clara gasped, bracing herself against the front seat.
Julian didn't hesitate. He killed the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt, and turned around. ""How far up the trail is Dr. Mercer's cabin from this curve?""
""About half a mile past the crest,"" Clara answered, her voice trembling as she looked out at the wall of mud and pouring rain. ""Julian, you can't walk through that! The earth is still moving!""
""We aren't walking. I'm running,"" Julian said grimly.
He ripped off his soaked leather dress shoes, kicked open the door, and reached into the backseat. He scooped Ellie into his arms. The little girl was light—frighteningly light—and her body was going limp, her head lolling against his shoulder. Her breathing was a terrifying, rhythmic rattle.
""Stay in the car, Clara. Keep the heat running,"" Julian instructed firmly.
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""No!"" Clara shouted, kicking off her high heels and tearing the lower half of her ruined lace gown so she could move freely. ""I know Mercer's gate code. You carry her; I clear the path. We go together.""
Before Julian could argue, Clara pushed past him into the driving rain, her bare feet sinking into the freezing mud. Julian held Ellie tightly against his chest, shielding her face with his arm, and plunged straight into the darkness of the mountain slope.
