The Tunnel - Episode 3
by Violetta Rand
Where are the men, Allison?
On the tracks.
They’re arguing, I think.
They have rifles slung across their backs.
One just fired in the air with a handgun.
You need to stay down.
Who are they?
Russian mafia.
Why are they doing this?
Retaliation for massive drug sweeps we did last year.
We arrested dozens of people, including their boss.
It was all over the news.
I remember that.
The bastards are cold blooded.
We need to try to get you out of there without them seeing you.
OK.
I have a diagram here.
Of the tunnel?
Yes.
Do you see any numbers painted on the walls?
Allison see’s numbers painted on the far wall.
28B.
Good.
That section of track has been out of commission since the hurricane.
No one comes in here?
No.
They’re moving!
Where?
I don’t know.
They went inside a room.
Are you sure?
Yes.
OK. I want you to head in the opposite direction.
Back the way I came?
Yes.
Alright. I’m going now.
Allison leaves the alcove and limps toward the entrance of the tunnel.
Are they still gone?
Yes.
Keep moving. You’re doing great.
Run if you can.
My ankle still hurts. It’s throbbing.
Allison manages an awkward trot.
She grimaces in pain, and finds a crate to hide behind.
I had to stop.
I’m out of breath.
OK, rest for a few seconds.
Allison hears an explosion.
Did you hear that?
The explosion?
Yes.
Don’t worry.
That’s the NYPD Bomb Squad.
Pipe bombs were found.
They’re detonating them in a secure area.
Everything echoes underground.
Did everyone get out safe?
Derek?
You ask hard questions.
Don’t I have a right to know?
Yes.
There have to be casualties.
Jake should have stayed with you.
I’m just one person…
Jake is off duty.
Recovering from an injury.
But he doesn’t know how to turn off his police scanner.
He decided to show up even though he has a sprained shoulder.
He made a choice.
He wanted to make sure you were safe.
I never second-guess my partner.
I can’t believe he did all this for me.
Will he get in trouble?
No. He wasn’t even supposed to be here.
Allison. I just heard from Jake.
He’s almost there.
Thank God.
Hang in there.
Do you see anyone?
No.
Good.
Think you can move again?
If I have to.
Ready?
Yes.
Allison stands and looks around to make sure it’s clear.
I’m going.
Trust your instincts, Allison.
OK.
Thirty seconds go by.
Allison struggles to put distance between herself and the Russian terrorists.
How far have you gone?
I’m near the area where Jake told me to climb down.
I want you to find another safe spot.
There’s debris everywhere.
Crates.
A couple of doors on this side.
And another ladder.
Should I climb back up to the platform?
No.
Let Jake secure the area first.
There’s nowhere to hide.
Pick a place along the wall, away from the lights.
Make yourself as small as possible.
Okay.
Did you do it?
Yes.
Good.
Now we wait for Jake.
Derek?
I hear something.
What?
Footsteps, I think.
From which direction?
I don’t know.
Concentrate on listening.
OK.
West???
That’s behind you.
That’s where the Russians are.
Yes!
Run.
Now.
App