They chained a pregnant woman to the bottom of the swimming pool, but when Daniel tried to save her, his mother closed the lid, causing both of them to drown. / Chapter 12 / 40

Chapter 12 - The Closing Tomb

Above them, the heavy Kevlar cover was relentlessly sliding toward the final locking mechanism. The gap of open air was now less than two feet wide.

On the patio, Teresa watched the sliver of water disappear, a cruel smile touching her lips. The screaming guests had been pushed back by her hired thugs.

"It’s over," Teresa said coldly, turning away from the pool.

But as she took her first step, a massive, thunderous crash shook the entire garden.

The heavy iron gates of the estate were completely obliterated. A massive, red fire engine smashed through the twisted metal, tearing across the manicured lawn, leaving deep trenches in the expensive grass.

It skidded to a halt near the pool deck. Half a dozen heavily geared firefighters jumped out before the truck even stopped moving. They didn't ask questions. They saw the automated cover closing over a crowded pool and immediately went to work.

"Jaws of Life! Get the hydraulics on that track!" the fire captain roared.

Two firefighters jammed a heavy hydraulic spreader into the track mechanism right at the edge of the closing gap, desperately trying to halt the motor's progress.

Underwater, Daniel broke the surface through the narrow, rapidly shrinking gap. He shoved Aunt Elena up first. She gasped violently, coughing up water as guests leaned over the edge and hauled her onto the deck.