Chapter 6 - The Floodgate ThresholdThe brick corridor terminated at a heavy, water-stained iron wheel embedded in a reinforced bulkhead. Beyond it, the steady rush of the Millstone River echoed through the damp concrete pipe.
"The sluice opens into the drainage basin behind the old paper mill," Bennett explained, bracing his boots against the slick stones and throwing his weight onto the wheel. The rusted gears groaned, spraying flakes of iron. "Once you pass through, you’re off the estate grid. Cellular towers along Route 27 will pick up your signals."
Julian set Lily down and helped Bennett heave against the wheel. With a harsh screech, the iron gate lifted six inches, water churning beneath it.
Suddenly, a flashlight beam slashed across the tunnel behind them. Footsteps splashed rapidly through the runoff.
"Hold it!" a sharp voice barked.
Marcus stood twenty paces away, uniform jacket torn, leveling a sidearm directly at Julian. Behind him stood two mercenaries clad in tactical vests.
"You shouldn't have involved the child, Julian," Marcus said, breathing hard. "Sterling offered a clean settlement. You retain the estate, the trust continues uninterrupted, and Clara is relocated to a private facility in Switzerland."
May you like
"A facility?" Julian laughed, a sound bitter and devoid of humor. "You put a human soul in a hole under a living room. Look at her, Marcus. Look at what you protected for a pension."
Marcus’s eyes flicked to Lily, who was hiding behind Clara’s thin legs. The child wasn't crying; she was simply watching him with large, bewildered hazel eyes.
Related Stories
