Chapter 8 - SIX MINUTES OF DARKNESS
The mansion plunged into darkness.
Someone screamed downstairs.
A distant alarm began sounding.
Then stopped.
I heard Adrian shout:
"Marco! Claire!"
A flashlight beam cut through the corridor.
Marco pulled me behind a marble pillar.
"Stay down."
Footsteps thundered through the west wing.
A door slammed.
Then came the unmistakable sound of gunfire.
I covered my ears.
My entire body shook.
Marco spoke into his radio.
"West corridor compromised. Initiate lockdown."
Static.
Then a voice answered.
"Copy."
Adrian moved toward the staircase.
Marco grabbed his arm.
"Boss, don't."
Adrian's expression was furious.
"Dean's heading for the lower level."
Marco nodded.
"I know."
He looked at me.
"Claire, stay here."
I grabbed his sleeve.
"The wine cellar."
He stopped.
"What?"
"Dean always checks the wine cellar."
Marco looked at Adrian.
Then they understood.
The tunnel.
The west gate.
The six-minute interruption.
Everything connected.
Adrian turned toward me.
"Claire, listen carefully."
I nodded.
"Go into the guest suite. Lock the door. Stay away from the windows."
I swallowed.
"What about you?"
His expression softened.
"I'll come back."
I wanted to believe him.
But the darkness made every promise feel fragile.
He touched my shoulder.
"Claire."
I looked up.
"Trust me."
Then he disappeared down the staircase with Marco.
I stood alone in the dark corridor.
My heart pounding.
My hands shaking.
Then I heard something behind me.
A soft metallic click.
I turned.
May you like
The service door at the end of the hallway was opening.
And someone stepped out.
