"Where are we going?" Susan asks as the van speeds through Queens.
"Underground." Jackson's voice is calm despite the chaos. "Literally."
He directs Bella to a maintenance entrance in an industrial area. A place of abandoned buildings and rusted machinery. The kind of place people avoid, and it was perfect for hiding.
We pile out, with Tony needing help from two of Jackson's Marines who were supporting him. He's barely conscious. The surgery needs to happen soon, or he'll die from internal bleeding.
"Down here." Jackson opens a heavy metal door to reveal a ladder descending into darkness.
"You're kidding," Susan says.
"Not even a little." He's already climbing down. "Watch your step. It's a long way down."
One by one, we descend. The ladder is rusted but stable. Down, down, and down into the earth beneath Manhattan.
Tony's being lowered carefully by the Marines. I'm right behind him, my hand on his back, making sure he doesn't fall.
