Chapter 20: Into the Labyrinth
The industrial kitchen of the mansion was vast, filled with stainless steel counters, hanging copper pots, and frantic catering staff diving for cover beneath prep tables as Thomas and Rebecca burst through the swinging doors.
"Keep moving toward the loading dock!" Thomas shouted, shielding Rebecca with his own body as they sprinted past the pantry racks.
Suddenly, two heavy-set security guards cut off their path near the exit doors, their tasers and batons drawn.
"Freeze right there!" the lead guard bellowed.
Thomas didn't hesitate. Leveraging his years of tactical training, he lunged forward, executing a swift disarm maneuver that sent the guard's baton clattering across the tile floor, following up with a solid punch that dropped the man to his knees.
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"Go, Becca! Through the side exit!" Thomas yelled, holding off the second guard.
Rebecca stumbled through the heavy metal fire exit into the cool night air of the alleyway behind the estate, gasping for breath as warm fluid suddenly pooled around her ankles. Her water had broken. Labor had officially begun.
