Tunnel of Love?
Outside, a large firetruck had been moved into position and the ladder extended as close as they could to the mound of debris. A firefighter climbed to the top, and radioed back that he did see a small opening. They had passed him a radio on a thick cable. Leaning as close as he dared, he shoved the radio through the opening. When it stopped after a few feet, he thought it was apparently hung up on something. The firefighter attempted to pull the cable back, but the line was jerked from his hand.
Grant had just about reached the top of the mound when he saw the radio dangling in front of him. As it started to be pulled back, he grabbed it, slipping slightly, but managing to keep his footing. Before he slipped any further, he keyed the transmit button, shouting into the radio. "Hello, hello."
The cheer that rose from the rescue workers drowned out the reply. Captain Sheridan used his bullhorn to yell for quiet.
The voice from inside came over the radio again. "Hello! Somebody please answer."
Sheridan answered. "Yes, we hear you. How many are alive?"
Stevens and Kelly hugged each other. Grant replied. "11 of us. And we have a lady whose in really bad shape with a gunshot wound. How soon can you get us out?"
"Hold on."
Tragg and Paul had moved as close as they dared. Captain Sheridan was talking with the chief engineer. "Captain, we need to know what the situation is inside and what will happen if we start digging out here. If we put pressure in the wrong place..."
Sheridan ran his hand over his face. "I understand but it sounds like we've got a badly injured woman who may not make it if we don't hurry."
Paul stepped up to the officer. "Captain, do you think I could speak to that person on the radio? Please."
When he was about to say no, he saw Tragg's face. "Okay. Make it quick."
Paul took the radio from the captain, walking a short distance away.
"Hello in the tunnel."
"Yes. Have you figured how to get us out?"
"They're working on it. Listen. My name is Paul Drake. I'm wondering if some friends of mine are there with you. His name is Perry Mason."
Grant took a deep breath. "Yes sir, he's here and alive. But..."
Paul's heart dropped. But?"
"But the lady who was with him is the one who was shot. She's in real bad shape sir. We need to get her out soon or...". Grant couldn't finish.
Paul gripped the radio so tightly he thought it would crack. "Okay. Mr..."
"Grant, Mr. Drake. Kevin Grant. I'm a construction worker."
"Well Kevin, could you please get a message to Mr. Mason for me? Tell him I'm here and we're going to get you all out very soon."
"Yes sir, I will."
"Thanks." Paul turned and walked back to the captain, handing him the radio. He looked at Tragg. "Arthur, Perry's in there and alive but it's Della that's been shot. We either have to get them out or someone in, otherwise she's going to die." Paul's voice broke on the last word.
They both turned to look at the captain. "I know what these people mean to you, but we can't just go blundering in there without some idea what's on the inside. If we move the wrong way, that mound is gonna collapse and we'll lose them all."
Paul stepped towards him. "Well you may just have caught a break. The guy I was talking to, Kevin Grant, said he's a construction worker. He probably has a pretty good idea how to help."
Sheridan turned and began giving orders to his men and the engineers.