CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Thank God I took a deep breath before I went under because the trip down was long. The mud smothered me, threatened to suck all my air out. I felt as if the whole world was pushing on my chest, and my lungs burned with hot fire, the kind of fire you feel when you’re drowning.
I tried to kick myself free, but the hand kept a firm grip on my ankle. It was a miracle it didn’t cut off my circulation.
I twisted and twirled through the mud, helpless as I sank.
Suddenly, air whooshed up and exploded around me as I somersaulted through darkness.
I splashed facedown in more mud. Whatever had hold of my ankle let go. I didn’t bother looking up; I just lay there, stunned until I mustered the courage to roll onto my back.
I was in a tunnel of some kind. I couldn’t see well.
