Chapter 13 - THE TUNNEL TRAP
Clara dragged Tyler forward through the murky water, her muscles screaming with fatigue.
Behind her, Ethan severed a thick gas line running along the curved ceiling of the tunnel.
The hiss of escaping methane filled the narrow passageway in seconds.
Ethan pulled a signal flare from his tactical harness and popped the cap.
The mercenary vanguard rounded the tunnel bend, their red laser sights painting Ethan's chest.
"Drop the flare, Captain!" the mercenary commander ordered.
Ethan smiled grimly. "Welcome to the sewer, boys."
He tossed the burning flare into the gas cloud and dived beneath the surface of the water.
A massive wall of orange fire expanded down the tunnel with a deafening roar.
The explosion consumed the mercenary vanguard in an instant, scorching the concrete walls.
The shockwave surged through the water, throwing Clara and Tyler forward toward the exit ladder.
Clara gasped for air as water splashed into her mouth, pulling Tyler onto a dry iron platform.
A moment later, Ethan burst from the surface of the water, coughing heavily.
"Go! Up the ladder! Now!" Ethan barked, helping her hoist Tyler's unconscious body.
They climbed frantically as secondary explosions detonated in the gas-filled pipes below.
They pushed open a heavy street manhole cover and crawled out into the pouring rain.
They were finally outside the hospital perimeter, standing in a dark, empty alleyway.
But their relief was short-lived.
Headlights suddenly swept across the alley as three black armored SUVs blocked both exits.
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Dr. Miller stepped out from the passenger side of the lead vehicle, holding an umbrella.
