Chapter 25 - The Poison in the Silverware
"You're insane," Daniel spat, his vision swimming. "The security cameras... they will prove everything!"
"There are no cameras left, Daniel," Evelyn sneered. "The server room went up in smoke five minutes ago. By tomorrow morning, the news will report a tragic domestic massacre. Eleanor Vale’s revenge."
She raised the heavy iron poker high above Daniel's head, her knuckles whitening as she prepared for the killing blow.
"Hey! Monster!"
Hannah screamed at the top of her lungs and hurled the heavy marble bookend with all her strength. The heavy slab of stone struck Evelyn squarely in the temple with a sickening thud.
Evelyn stumbled back with a shriek of rage, blood instantly trickling from her hairline. She swung around toward Hannah like a rabid animal, her teeth bared. "You miserable little parasite!"
That fraction of a second was all Daniel needed.
Ignoring the agony tearing through his cracked ribs, Daniel lunged forward from the floor, tackling Evelyn around the waist. They slammed into the antique nursery vanity, shattering mirrors and cosmetic bottles across the floor. Evelyn fought with savage, inhuman strength, scratching at Daniel's eyes, her sharp nails sinking into his neck.
"Hannah, the bomb!" Daniel roared, pinning Evelyn’s wrists against the floorboards. "Get the timer! Cut the red wire!"
Hannah rushed to the crib. Her hands were shaking violently as she examined the C4 block. *00:00:32... 00:00:31...*
"Daniel, there are three red wires!" Hannah screamed in panic. "It’s a decoy circuit!"
"Rip the whole unit out!" Daniel shouted, ducking as Evelyn tried to drive her thumbs into his eyes. "Throw it out the window into the courtyard!"
Hannah didn't ask questions. She grabbed the explosive pack, ripping the taped wires free, and sprinted toward the French doors leading to the nursery balcony. She kicked the glass open and hurled the bomb with all her might into the pouring rain.
Two seconds later, a violent flash illuminated the stormy sky, followed by a shockwave that blew the French doors off their hinges, showering the room in splinters. The explosion shook the entire foundation of the manor.
Evelyn used the momentary distraction to thrust her knee violently into Daniel’s injured ribs. Daniel doubled over, a strangled cry escaping his throat. Evelyn rolled free, scrambled to her feet, and lunged toward the doorway with terrifying speed.
"Daniel, she's running for the clocktower!" Hannah yelled, rushing over to help Daniel to his feet.
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"Clara..." Daniel coughed, pushing Hannah away gently as he forced himself to stand. "The reversed air pump... Clara is suffocating up there. Give me your phone. Turn on the flashlight. We have to run!"
***
