Chapter 5 - The CountdownInside the satin-lined coffin sat rows of heavy lead bricks wrapped in industrial plastic.
A digital timer rested above them.
04:15
The numbers changed.
04:14.
04:13.
Chloe stopped breathing.
Julian staggered backward.
“What is that?”
Nobody answered.
Then Eleanor smiled.
It was a tiny smile.
Cold.
Almost peaceful.
She reached inside her handbag.
Julian saw the remote in her hand.
His eyes widened.
“Grandma?”
Eleanor pressed a button.
The church doors slammed shut.
Metal shutters dropped over the stained-glass windows.
May you like
The sanctuary plunged into darkness.
The timer continued counting.
Related Stories
Chapter 6 - The TrapPanic exploded.
Chapter 7 - Chloe Takes ControlChloe dropped the axe.
Chapter 8 - The Grandmother's EscapeEleanor turned toward the private vestry.
Chapter 9 - SirensDaylight flooded the sanctuary.
Chapter 10 - The Truth Inside the HouseThe bomb squad neutralized the device.
Chapter 11 - The Missing ManWeeks passed.
