Chapter 17 - The Final Confrontation
The loud gunshots echoed continuously inside the vast wooden structure of the timber mill.
The bullet from Clara's revolver struck the metal handrail right next to Evelyn's head, sending hot sparks flying.
Evelyn ducked down violently behind the steel catwalk barrier, screaming in wild rage.
The remaining security guard turned his weapon toward Clara and opened fire automatic rounds.
Sparks and wooden splinters exploded along the stair frame near Clara's feet.
Sarah immediately raised her silenced pistol from the factory floor below and fired three precise shots upward.
The guard collapsed over the catwalk railing, dropping his rifle down into the dark abyss.
"Mark! Take Lily and get under the heavy timber press!" Sarah yelled, diving behind a pile of wooden pallets.
Mark sprinted through the darkness, pulling Lily tightly against his chest as bullets whined through the air.
He slid under the heavy steel frame of the ancient industrial pressing machine.
"Daddy, is Mommy alive?" Lily sobbed, her small hands clutching Mark's blood-stained jacket.
"Yes, baby! Mommy is right up there fighting for us!" Mark shouted over the loud noise of gunfire.
Up on the catwalk, Evelyn scrambled on her hands and knees through the dark soot toward the control panel.
Her hands were covered in grease and blood as she grabbed the large red master power lever.
"If I can't kill you with bullets, I will crush all of you inside this mill!" Evelyn shrieked hysterically.
She slammed the massive iron lever downward with all her remaining strength.
Ancient electrical generators in the basement roared to life with a deafening, vibrating hum.
Heavy iron chains began moving rapidly across the ceiling track above the factory floor.
The massive eight-foot circular saw blades suspended from the roof began spinning with a terrifying, high-pitched screech.
Sparks flew wildly as rusted metal gears ground together after decades of total disuse.
The large conveyor belt beneath the catwalk began moving forward toward the spinning blade assembly.
Clara scrambled up the final flight of metal steps, stepping onto the vibrating catwalk platform.
"It's over, Evelyn!" Clara shouted, her voice cutting through the roaring noise of the spinning machinery.
Evelyn turned around slowly, holding a long rusty iron spike she had pulled from the control panel frame.
Her face was completely contorted into a monstrous mask of pure, unadulterated hatred.
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"You ruined my life, Clara!" Evelyn screamed, taking a wild step toward her.
"I gave you a life of luxury, and you gave me betrayal!" Evelyn shrieked, lunging forward with the iron spike.
