The girl peered into the inferno, coughing as thick smoke filled her lungs. She covered her nose and shook her head, backing away. "No way. It's suicide. I can't save you alone. I'll go find security—they'll be here soon."
She turned to flee.
"Don't go!"
Derek shrieked, terror seizing him. "I'm a Finch! My father is Vincent Finch! Get me out and I'll give you a million! No—two million! Anything you want!"
In this city, the Finch name carried weight, but two million dollars was life-changing.
The girl froze.
Slowly, she turned back, hesitation giving way to greed. She stared at Derek, then at the roaring fire, and bit her lip. "Two million? You swear it?"
"I swear! I promise!" Derek nodded frantically. "Just get me out! I'll transfer it immediately!"
Decision made, the girl rushed toward the doorway.
I stood in the shadows, watching dispassionately.
In my previous life, my first move had been to cut the gas valve and smother the source before daring to approach the steel frame. But this girl lacked basic common sense. Spotting a bucket of water nearby, she didn't think twice. She heaved it up and splashed it directly into the heart of the flames.
"Don't—!"