Chapter 8 - The Shadow Lighthouse
Deep beneath the North Point Waterworks, the water level had risen past Matthew’s waist.
The freezing Atlantic surge roared through the subterranean concrete tunnels like an enraged beast. The temperature was dropping rapidly, numbing Matthew’s legs, but the fire burning inside his chest kept him driving forward through the dark, murky waters.
"Sector B, Vault 7 is just ahead!" Marcus shouted above the deafening roar of rushing water.
They turned the corner into a massive cylindrical chamber. In the center of the room stood an elevated iron platform, surrounded by surging water that was pouring through giant rusted intake pipes.
Chained to a steel pillar in the center of the platform was five-year-old Leo.
The water was already lapping at the boy's chest.
"Daddy!" Leo screamed, his teeth chattering violently, his small hands pulling desperately against the iron chains. "Help me! I can't hold on!"
"Leo! I’m here!" Matthew roared, plunging into the deep water and swimming toward the platform with powerful strokes.
Suddenly, a spotlight clicked on above the platform, blinding Matthew.
Standing on the high catwalk overlooking the chamber was Julian Vance, holding an assault rifle in one hand and a remote detonator in the other. Beside him stood two armed bodyguards.
"Right on time, Matthew!" Julian shouted over the roar of the water. "Look at this heartwarming family reunion! Unfortunately, you won't live long enough to celebrate Father’s Day."
"Let the boy go, Julian!" Matthew shouted, pulling himself onto the edge of the iron platform. "Arthur Pendelton betrayed you! His men just hit the hospital to wipe out all loose ends. You think he’s going to let you walk away with the money?"
Julian hesitated for a split second, a flicker of doubt crossing his manic eyes. "You’re lying! Arthur and I have a deal!"
"Check your offshore accounts!" Matthew yelled, his voice cutting through the storm. "I froze all Sullivan Global routing nodes twenty minutes ago. Arthur transferred the shell accounts to his personal trust. You're holding an empty bag, Julian!"
Julian frantically reached for his phone, tapping the screen. When he saw the red authorization error flashing on his banking app, his face contorted into pure, unbridled madness.
"It doesn't matter!" Julian screamed, raising the assault rifle directly at Leo. "If I go down, your bloodline ends tonight!"
Before Julian could pull the trigger, a gunshot rang out from the shadows of the catwalk.
BANG!
Julian’s right shoulder exploded in crimson. He dropped the rifle, screaming in agony as he fell back against the railing.
Marcus Vance stepped out from the catwalk darkness, lowering his sniper rifle. "Blood or not, Julian, you crossed a line no man survives."
Julian rolled onto his side, his face twisted in psychotic rage. "Then we all drown together!"
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With his left hand, Julian slammed the red button on the remote detonator.
***
