Chapter 17
Matthew had taken to standing vigil outside my building, so I’d made the office my sanctuary, throwing myself into overtime work. With Nathan conveniently away on business, I could avoid both brothers entirely.
By nine thirty that Friday night, I was alone in the office, fighting sleep as I reviewed creative proposals.
Eventually, exhaustion won, and I dozed off at my desk.
The acrid smell of smoke jolted me awake.
Fire.
My mind snapped to alert as I dialed emergency services, following the dispatcher’s instructions to head for the stairwell. But fate had other plans – the emergency exit was locked.
Trapped, I retreated to the office, trying to stay calm while waiting for rescue.
But timing couldn’t have been worse.
Friday night in the city meant gridlock as people poured out of restaurants and bars, heading home from their evenings out. The street below was a sea of brake lights, blocking any hope of quick rescue.
The flames grew hungrier.
Despite trying everything I could think of, the fire kept advancing.
Eventually, my strength gave out, and I collapsed into a corner, each breath becoming more painful than
the last.
So this was how it would end – staying late at work would literally be the death of me.
Just as despair started to overwhelm me, a thunderous pounding shook the fire door.
Once.
Twice.
Again and again.
Until finally, with a deafening crash, it burst open.
Through the smoke and flames came Nathan, scooping me up in his arms without hesitation.
– Doufriand
10.5%
Chapter 17
As consciousness began to fade, I heard his father wire, day and wwe “ve got you finally.”
