Chapter 11 - The Impossible Choice
Nathan grabbed the heavy brass key off the burning desk.
He threw it hard across the room into the cage with Vanessa.
"There's your chance!" Nathan shouted through the thick, black smoke.
"Unlock it yourself if you can!"
Nathan picked up Leo, covering his son's head with the damp blanket.
He charged directly through the roaring wall of fire at the doorway.
The intense heat scorched his arms and face as he broke through.
They tumbled out into the second-floor hallway, coughing and gasping for air.
Below them, the grand staircase was collapsing into embers.
The entire mansion was being rapidly consumed by the inferno.
Nathan ran toward the balcony overlooking the indoor swimming pool.
"We have to jump, Leo!" Nathan yelled over the roaring flames.
"I'm scared, Daddy!" Leo cried, holding on with all his strength.
"Trust me, son! Close your eyes!"
Nathan took a deep breath, leaped over the marble railing, and plunged into space.
They fell two stories, crashing violently into the deep water below.
The cold pool water extinguished the heat instantly.
Nathan kicked hard, surfacing with Leo safely in his arms.
They climbed out onto the wet tile floor, gasping for oxygen.
Behind them, the roof of the library collapsed with a thunderous roar.
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A heavy cloud of black smoke and sparks flew into the night sky.
Outside, police sirens and fire trucks finally arrived at the front courtyard.
