"Move!" William shouted, abandoning the wheelchair and forcing himself to his feet. "The service tunnels…now!"
Lucy grabbed his arm, supporting his weight as they ran. The beeping followed them, seeming to come from everywhere at once. Four minutes. Maybe less.
They reached the hidden panel in William's study. Lucy's hands shook as she fumbled with the latch.
"I can't, it's stuck."
"Let me." William shouldered her aside, ignoring the pain shooting through his legs. The panel swung open just as an explosion rocked the east wing. The whole house shuddered.
"She's triggering them early," William gasped. "Go!"
They tumbled into the tunnel, the steep stairs almost sending them both crashing down. Behind them, another explosion. Closer this time. Dust and debris rained from the ceiling.
L
