Chapter 18 - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Inside the vault sat three silver cylinders containing pressurized neutralizer gas.
"This is enough to counter the pathogen across the entire city block," Clara said, lifting the primary cylinder.
Suddenly, a heavy iron gate slammed down behind them, trapping them inside the vault alcove.
Appearing from behind a stone pillar was Dr. Miller, his face bruised and covered in bandages.
He held a remote detonation device in his trembling hand.
"Did you really think I would leave my master project unprotected?" Miller laughed maniacally.
"You were unconscious! How did you escape?" Ethan growled, raising his rifle against the iron bars.
"My men intercepted the transport unit ten minutes ago," Miller revealed with a malicious grin.
"And now, you will watch from inside this cage as the virus cleanses the entire hospital facility."
Miller pressed a button on his remote, activating a digital countdown timer on the neutralizer cylinders.
The digital display began counting down from three minutes: 02:59... 02:58...
"If that timer hits zero without manual override, the cylinders will detonate and destroy the neutralizer liquid!" Clara warned.
"Have a pleasant death, Dr. Vance," Miller sneered, turning to walk toward the rooftop helipad.
Ethan didn't hesitate. He grabbed the heavy steel frame of the iron gate and squeezed his body against it.
"Clara! Pass me your sidearm!" Ethan roared.
Clara handed the pistol through the narrow gap between the steel bars.
Ethan aimed through the iron grid and fired three quick shots directly into the ceiling support beam above Miller.
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A massive stone gargoyle broke free from the masonry, crushing Miller's leg beneath its tremendous weight.
