The Terror in the Emerald City by D.D. Black

Author:D.D. Black [Black, D.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Monday, 9:06 PM

Austin crept through the deserted concourse and made his way to the stairwell that had exploded beneath him, approaching from the top. He’d hoped to find Ridley there, but, as he peered over the railing, all he saw was the wreckage of busted concrete and twisted metal.

Small plumes of smoke still wafted up from the demolished staircase.

Giving up on finding Ridley where they had separated, he found another staircase and started up the steps, gun gripped tight, senses on high alert. Halfway up, he heard something—the echo of footsteps coming down the stairwell toward him. It sounded like at least a few people, but they were not speaking.

He leapt up a few steps to a landing, then pressed himself flat against the wall behind a door. Listening, the footsteps grew louder, closer, heavy feet were descending the concrete stairs.

Right on top of him now. He tensed, ready to fire, and leapt out.

It was Ridley, along with three men all in full NFL uniforms, two Seahawks and a 49er.

“You scared the hell out of me,” Austin said, lowering the gun. “Ridley? I—”

Ridley had tensed and raised his weapon, which he now lowered. “Austin, these are—”

“I know who they are,” Austin said.

The Seahawks’ players were Derrick Green, the backup running back who’d been born and raised in Seattle, and John van der Merwe, their punter, who’d risen to fame in the South African rugby league as a teenager before being invited to Notre Dame to kick footballs. He’d become a 6th round draft pick for the Seahawks. Finally, there was Jalen Robinson, the best wide receiver on the 49ers. One of the biggest stars in the league, Austin had seen Robinson in a dozen commercials for cereal, sandwiches, and cars.

“No time to explain,” Ridley said. Then, turning to the players, he said, “Good luck.” Without a word, they continued down the stairs. Austin noticed that Green, the running back, had a handgun.

“What the hell?” Austin asked.

Ridley ran a hand over his bald head. “Long story. First, tell me what’s going on. Did you make it to Darius, or…”

“Went back to the seats. JB and Anna have the radio. They’re trying to reach Darlene.”

“What about Rachel?”

Austin gripped his friend’s arm. “Rachel’s holding up okay. She’s staying put for now, but she’s worried.”

Ridley nodded, relief flooding his face. “Thank God. I need to get back there, make sure she’s alright. I managed to lift a satellite phone off a body.” Ridley held it up. “Might come in handy.”

“A body?”

“Two. They didn’t know what hit them.” Ridley’s expression turned grim. “I didn’t want anyone to be killed, but their deaths were unavoidable. I’m going to check on Rachel, I need to see her.”

“No, I barely made it here. Those guards will spot you in an instant, you’d only draw attention to yourself or worse, Rachel. Come with me.” Austin jerked his head, indicating that they should head down the stairs. “I’ve got an idea.”

Ridley hesitated, torn. “Rachel—”

“Will be safer if we can get help in here faster.

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