Chapter 1723

"You think I don't have a backup plan?" Enoch sneered. "Even if I die, I'm taking you all with me."

He spun around, hitting a button on the chair. The whole mountain shook instantly.

Randy gaped. "Didn't you say all the bombs were cleared? What's this?"

Everyone struggled to stand. Debra shielded Yvette, nearly falling.

From the looks of it, Enoch was trying to blow up the whole place.

"Get out of here. This place is collapsing," Barton shouted, starting to wheel Andrew out.

But Andrew raised a hand, his eyes locked onto Enoch, who lingered on the platform.

"Too late. He must have locked the gate. This is a century-old self-destruction system. He wants to perish with us."

"Sir, what should we do?"

"The structure here has got maybe ten minutes before it gives. Get to Enoch's spot. There is gotta be an escape route."

Andrew had studied Enoch long enough to know the guy wasn't suicidal. He'd bluff and slip away through a hidden exit to start over.

Debra got anxious. "Even if we take his spot, how do we find the way out?"

"Under the chair," Andrew said. "That platform's high for a reason. Something must be hidden below."

"I'm going." Drake bolted for the platform.

Robert followed. "I've got your back." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on f͟i͟n͟d͟n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟.net

Jordan glanced at Andrew. "I'm heading up."

"Be careful."

"Got it."

Theda and Oscar shared a look, then split to flank the sides.

It was just Enoch and Michael up there, but their high ground made it tough to close in fast.

Michael was a dead shot but only fired to hold them off.

Enoch noticed and snatched the gun, firing at Drake, who narrowly dodged the worst of it.

Enoch then aimed at Marion. Debra saw it, and her heart clenched.

"Watch Mrs. Osborne." She shoved Yvette into Juan's arms.

He grabbed her arm. "I'm here to protect you. You don't want him distracted, right?"

"But..." she hesitated.

Andrew cut in calmly, "Don't worry. They've got guns too."

Erica reasoned, "We keep ourselves safe. That's the best help we can give them."

She glanced at Randy. "That kid is pretty badass when he steps up, huh?"

The mountain shook harder. Rocks fell from the platform.

Marion and the others dodged bullets and debris at the same time.

Drake got fed up, pulling a knife from his waist. Robert grabbed him.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Doing him in."

"You nuts? They've got guns, and you're bringing a knife to this fight? From this far?"