Chapter 5 - Escaping the Estate
Glass shattered overhead as a heavy tree branch crashed through the skylight, sending rain pouring onto the grand staircase.
In the chaos, Richard tackled the second security guard, sending both men sliding across the wet floor.
"Maria, take Leo and run to the garage!" Richard shouted, wrestling the guard for control of his taser.
Maria didn't hesitate; she grabbed Leo into her arms and sprinted down the dark service corridor.
Behind them, Eleanor's shrill voice echoed through the house, demanding the guards catch the nanny at all costs.
Maria's heart pounded like a jackhammer against her ribs as her wet leather shoes slipped on the utility tiles.
She reached the heavy fire door leading to the three-car garage, slamming her shoulder against the emergency bar.
The door burst open, revealing Richard's dark grey SUV parked beneath the industrial fluorescent emergency lights.
"In the backseat, Leo, quickly!" Maria instructed, buckling the trembling six-year-old into his booster seat.
Before she could hop into the driver's seat, the heavy fire door slammed open behind her.
Guard Mark rushed into the garage, his face bruised from his scuffle with Richard.
"Hand over the ledger, Maria, and no one gets hurt," Mark threatened, advancing with his metal baton raised.
Maria reached onto the nearby workbench, her hand finding a heavy iron wrench.
"You touch this boy again, and I swear to God you won't walk out of here!" Maria yelled fiercely.
Suddenly, the garage overhead door began to open automatically as the emergency generator kicked in.
Richard appeared in the doorway behind Mark, holding an iron fireplace poker.
"Drop the weapon, Mark," Richard ordered coldly, his suit jacket torn and stained with soot.
Mark turned, saw the furious billionaire commander standing before him, and slowly lowered his baton.
Richard jumped into the driver's seat, locked the doors, and slammed his foot onto the accelerator.
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The SUV roared out into the blinding torrential rain, leaving the dark gates of Vance Manor far behind.
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