Chapter 12 - The Upstairs Office
“Mommy!” Sophie’s voice rang out clear and small from the high metal platform.
Claire looked up, her heart leaping into her throat. “Sophie! Stay right there, baby!”
Marcus groaned from the floor, clutching his ribs, but a wicked smile twisted his lips as he saw the little girl. He slowly reached into his tactical jacket, his fingers wrapping around the grip of a heavy metal stun gun.
“You won't reach her in time, Claire,” Marcus wheezed, pushing himself up off the concrete.
Before Marcus could pull the weapon free, Officer Davis broke free from the masked assailant on the floor, leveling his service weapon and firing a single warning shot that ricocheted off the concrete ceiling with a deafening crack.
“Drop the weapon, Marcus! Federal marshals are already outside!” Davis shouted, though they both knew backup was still miles away.
Marcus froze, his hand hovering over the stun gun. He looked at Davis, then at Claire, realizing the walls were finally closing in for real.
Claire didn't wait for him to decide. She sprinted toward the metal staircase leading up to the catwalk, her boots clanging loudly against the rungs as she climbed two at a time.
“Mommy!” Sophie cried out, running to the top of the stairs and throwing her arms around Claire the second she reached the platform.
Claire pulled her daughter tight, burying her face in the pink hoodie, breathing in the familiar scent of strawberry shampoo.
Down below, Marcus made his final, desperate move, sprinting toward the rear emergency exit door that led out into the dark alley behind the warehouse.
May you like
Davis gave chase, but the heavy steel door slammed shut behind Marcus with a resounding bang, sealing the exit before the officer could reach it.
---
