Chapter 7 - The Chase Through the Hallways
Leo fled down the cavernous, dark corridors of Blackwood Manor.
Behind him, the heavy, thunderous footsteps of his grand-uncle echoed like iron boots against the oak floors. "Come back here, Leo! There's nowhere to run!"
The storm raged outside, lightning flashes illuminating the tall, oil-painted portraits of dead Vance ancestors line the walls, their painted eyes seeming to follow the terrified boy as he ran for his life.
Leo’s chest burned. His small lungs gasped for cold air. He knew every inch of the manor—he had spent six years playing in its hidden nooks and secret passages to escape his father's violent temper.
He rounded the corner toward the grand staircase, his foot slipping slightly on the polished floor, but he caught himself against the mahogany balustrade.
Below him, standing in the center of the dark, marble-floored foyer, was Judge William Sterling.
Sterling was holding a heavy brass oil lamp in one hand and a dark leather doctor's bag in the other. He looked up, the yellow light of the flame casting terrifying, angular shadows across his hollow cheeks.
"Block the stairs, William!" Jonathan roared from behind Leo, wiping blood from his chin as he closed the distance. "Don't let him reach the front door!"
Leo froze at the top of the landing—the exact spot where his father had been pushed to his death three nights ago.
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To his right was Jonathan, his hands outstretched, his face covered in blood. To his left was the drop into the abyss of the foyer. Below him was Judge Sterling, blocking the exit.
He was trapped.
