Chapter 22 - Extinguishing the Flame
The lighter flew from Camille’s grip, clattering across the concrete and falling into a wet drainage ditch. In that exact instant, police officers tackled Camille to the ground, pinning her firmly against the cold stone floor.
"Shut off the main gas valve! Cut the power grid!" shouts echoed through the basement as firefighters rushed in with emergency gear to neutralize the gas leak before a catastrophe could occur.
Cold steel handcuffs snapped tightly around Camille’s wrists. The manic frenzy on her face evaporated, replaced by absolute, hollow defeat. She slumped onto the floor, weeping uncontrollably in humiliation and futile regret.
Rafe collapsed onto his knees, completely drained of strength. His legs could no longer support him. Ruth rushed over to his side, catching his broad shoulders before he hit the ground.
"Mr. Rafe! Are you alright?" Ruth asked anxiously.
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Rafe looked up at Ruth. Under the flickering flashlight beams of the basement, the proud, unyielding man shed genuine tears. He gripped Ruth’s slender, calloused hand—the hand that had shielded his daughter, protected his late wife’s honor, and saved his home from destruction.
"Thank you... Ruth... Thank you for saving everything I have left in this world..." Rafe whispered through his tears.
