Chapter 16
Thomas leaped off her body, sprinting down the hallway toward the hidden bookshelf alcove in the wall.
He punched the four-digit sequence into the digital keypad, praying to God he wasn't too late.
The heavy steel bookshelf clicked, sliding open smoothly to reveal the small, smoke-filled interior room.
Clara lay slumped against the floorboards, coughing weakly and struggling to draw a breath of fresh air.
Thomas dropped to his knees, scooping her up into his arms and carrying her out into the open hallway oxygen.
"Dad... I can't..." Clara choked out, her hands clutching her throat as tears streamed down her face.
"I'm right here, sweetheart. Breathe with me," Thomas urged frantically, patting her back as he applied an emergency oxygen mask.
Federal tactical officers swarmed the hallway seconds later, securing the unconscious Eleanor and clearing the estate.
Paramedics rushed through the shattered front door with medical bags, taking over Clara's care with practiced speed.
As Clara's vital stabilization monitors stabilized, she opened her eyes and looked up at her father.
"Is it... is it finally over?" Clara whispered through the oxygen mask.
Thomas looked down at his daughter, holding her trembling hand tightly in his own calloused palm.
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"It's over," Thomas promised, his voice choked with profound emotion.
"No more shadows. No more monsters."
