Chapter 11 - Into the Subterranean Tunnels “Stop right there! Federal agents!”
The lead federal agent’s command was swallowed by the deafening roar of the heavy steel door sliding fully into the stone recess. Sparks flew as one of the marshals fired a warning shot that ricocheted harmlessly off the reinforced concrete archway of the secret tunnel entrance.
Arthur Vance and Marcus disappeared into the absolute darkness of the subterranean passage, dragging Jonathan behind them like a terrified hostage.
“After them!” the federal agent shouted, signaling two of his marshals to pursue down the tunnel while he stayed behind to secure the vault and protect the civilian witnesses. He turned his attention sharply to Chloe and David. “Are you both alright? Stay back behind the desk.”
Chloe nodded, her breathing coming in ragged gasps as she watched the empty, dark corridor where Arthur had vanished. The cold draft blowing up from the water below carried the distinct, salty tang of the ocean mixed with the acrid scent of engine exhaust.
“He’s heading for the private slipway,” Chloe said urgently, gripping the edge of the mahogany desk. “There’s a speedboat docked in the sea cave beneath the cliffs. If he reaches the open water before the coast guard blockade gets into position, he’ll escape into international waters.”
The federal agent tapped his shoulder radio, barking crisp orders to the tactical units stationed outside the perimeter. “All units, be advised: target is attempting exfiltration via the cliffside sea cave slipway. Seal off the bay immediately.”
David leaned heavily against the glass display case, wincing as a sharp wave of pain shot through his injured shoulder. He looked at his sister, his eyes filled with a mixture of awe and profound exhaustion. “You really planned this down to the minute, didn't you, Chloe? You knew he would run to the tunnel.”
“I didn't plan for him to have a maritime loophole,” Chloe replied, her jaw set with fierce determination. She looked down at the floor, spotting the silver smartphone that Marcus had dropped earlier. The screen was dark, but the charging port was still flashing a faint green indicator light.
She knelt down swiftly, retrieved the phone from the shattered glass, and pressed the home screen. To her astonishment, the device wasn't locked anymore; Marcus had left it partially decrypted during the scramble. A live security feed of the subterranean sea cave flashed onto the small screen in real-time, showing Arthur’s speedboat engines idling against the dark, churning waves.
“Agent,” Chloe said, holding out the glowing phone screen toward the federal officer. “Look at this feed. He hasn't left yet. His boat is stalled. The fuel line... I severed it when I threw the bronze paperweight at the breaker box earlier. The electrical surge tripped the fuel cutoff valve.”
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The federal agent stared at the screen, a grim smile touching the corner of his mouth. He raised his radio again. “Strike team, move in. The target is trapped in the sea cave.”
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