Chapter 14 - The Inferno
Jax smashed the pickup truck through the wooden perimeter gate of the chapel grounds.
The main entrance of the stone church was engulfed in roaring orange flames.
Thick, suffocating smoke poured out of the shattered stained-glass windows.
"The fire started in the west wing!" the waitress shouted, pointing through the truck's windshield.
Eleanor scrambled out of the cab, the intense heat hitting her face like a physical blow.
"The vaults are underneath the altar!" Eleanor yelled over the roaring fire.
"There's a side entrance through the old cellar doors in the back!" Jax shouted, running toward the rear courtyard.
They sprinted around the burning building, dodging falling embers and shattered glass.
The heavy iron cellar doors were locked with a massive, rusted chain.
Jax grabbed a heavy iron fire ax from the external safety station on the wall.
He swung the ax with all his strength, smashing it down onto the chain.
Sparks flew into the night, and with a sharp snap, the chain broke apart.
Jax kicked the iron doors open, revealing a steep set of stone stairs leading down into pitch darkness.
A wave of cold, damp air rushed up, carrying the distinct smell of wet earth and old iron.
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"Stay close to me," Jax warned, pulling a small tactical flashlight from his pocket.
They descended into the pitch-black vault below while the chapel burned above them.
