Chapter 8 - Unmasking the EnemyRowan didn't panic. For fifteen years, he had worked in dangerous industrial environments. He breathed steadily, mentally mapping the basement structure.
He pulled his heavy-duty flashlight from his belt, clicking it on. The water was now at his waist, freezing cold, and the main boiler was whistling dangerously—a warning that a catastrophic explosion was minutes away.
Rowan waded through the rising water toward the primary steam manifold. He didn't have tools to wire the cut bypass, but he knew mechanical pressure dynamics better than anyone.
He grabbed a heavy iron pipe lever from the emergency rack, jammed it into the manual override gear, and threw all his physical strength against it.
His muscles strained, his veins bulging against his skin. “Come on!” he roared over the deafening hiss of steam.
With a violent metallic screech, the manual valve turned. Millions of gallons of pressurized water redirected safely into the storm drainage system. The whistling stopped, the groaning boilers settled, and the water level ceased rising.
At that exact moment, the heavy security door was thrown open.
Maris stood in the doorway, drenched from the rain, holding a fire axe she had used to break the outer lock control. Behind her stood two city police officers.
“Rowan!” she screamed, dropping the axe and splashing into the water toward him.
Rowan dropped the iron pipe and caught her as she threw her arms around his neck, sobbing with sheer relief.
“I heard the alarm on my phone... I knew something was wrong!” Maris cried, pressing her face into his chest. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine, Maris,” Rowan panted, holding her tight, his heart hammering against his ribs. “The system is safe. The building is secure.”
One of the police officers stepped forward, holding up a sleek digital recording device. “Ms. Ellen, we intercepted Mr. Vance’s security officer trying to leave the parking garage. We found the master security key card and the sabotaged wire cutters in his truck. He’s already confessing.”
May you like
Maris pulled back, looking up at Rowan. Her eyes were blazing with fierce, triumphant emotion.
“Julian Vance wanted a war,” Maris whispered, her hands cupping Rowan’s face. “Now he’s going to get one.”
