Here is the next chapter:
Chapter 26: Escape and Evasion
Ethan's eyes scanned the hallway, his mind racing with the need to escape. The alarms were still blaring, and the lights were flickering wildly.
Sarah grabbed his arm. "Which way?" she yelled.
Ethan pointed down the hallway. "The stairwell! We can make it to the parking garage!"
They sprinted down the hallway, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Ethan could hear the sound of footsteps behind them, heavy and deliberate.
As they reached the stairwell, Ethan slammed open the door and pushed Sarah through. "Go!" he yelled.
Sarah didn't need to be told twice. She took the stairs two at a time, Ethan right behind her.
They burst through the door to the parking garage, gasping for breath. Ethan's eyes scanned the rows of cars, his mind racing with the need to find a safe vehicle.
That's when he saw it: a black SUV with tinted windows. It was their only hope.
To be continued.