Chapter 10 - The Unlikely Ally
Aunt Elena was not a strong woman, but she was armed.
She had apparently dove into the pool right after Daniel, carrying a heavy, rusted iron crowbar she had grabbed from the gardening shed. She was swimming awkwardly, her lungs clearly bursting, but her eyes were filled with a fierce, unwavering determination.
She swam to the base of the statue, ignoring Daniel completely. She wedged the flat, wedge-shaped end of the heavy crowbar directly underneath the massive steel bolt that anchored the statue’s chain to the concrete floor.
She pushed down with all her frail body weight, trying to pry the bolt loose. It didn't budge.
She looked up at Daniel, her eyes wide, gesturing frantically toward the crowbar.
Daniel understood instantly. The padlock was impossible, but the anchor bolt was old. It had been submerged in chlorinated water for years. It was rusted. It was a weak point.
Daniel grabbed the long handle of the crowbar, placing his hands directly over Elena's. He braced both of his feet against the solid marble of the statue, locking his knees.
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Pull! he mouthed, though no sound came out.
Together, the athletic heir and the elderly aunt threw their entire combined weight against the heavy iron bar.
