Chapter 19
Flames licked hungrily up the velvet drapes, casting dancing red shadows across the burning living room walls. Julian grappled fiercely with David on the floor, punches flying in the smoke-filled air as they fought for survival.
David managed to pull a tactical combat knife from his belt, raising it high to strike Julian across the chest. Julian caught his wrist mid-air with both hands, using his body weight to pin the blade back down toward the floorboards.
With a final surge of adrenaline, Julian disarmed his cousin, sending the knife clattering across the burning hardwood floor. Federal tactical agents burst through the burning front doors with fire extinguishers and assault rifles raised high.
"Drop your weapon and put your hands behind your back!" an agent roared over the roar of the spreading flames. David struggled furiously, but two federal agents pinned him to the floor, slapping steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
Julian scrambled across the burning floor toward Margaret, untying her ropes and pulling her free from the chair. They rushed out through the smoke-filled hallway just as the apartment sprinkler system activated overhead, drenching the fire.
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They collapsed onto the concrete landing of the emergency stairwell, coughing violently as fresh air hit their lungs. Federal medics rushed up the stairs, throwing oxygen masks over their faces to stabilize their breathing.
David Vance was dragged past them in handcuffs, his face covered in soot and screaming curses into the night air.
