Clara’s pursuit of truth always carried risks, but she hadn’t anticipated being captured so swiftly. Shortly after exiting the underground chambers, she found herself ambushed. A hood was thrown over her head, and the last thing she remembered before darkness consumed her was the cold grip of hands dragging her away.
She awoke in an unfamiliar room, the hum of flowing water echoing around her. As her eyes adjusted, she realised she was in a high-security water vault, walls gleaming with moisture. In the centre stood a grand fountain, its water swirling mysteriously.
A shadow loomed, revealing one of the Faucet Lords. His eyes, cold and calculating, observed her. “Ms Loft, your meddling in our affairs ends today,” he sneered, revealing plans to further tighten their grip on Melbourne’s water supply. He left her alone, but not before mentioning how he had made use of the best drain cleaning services close to Melbourne to ensure no escape route through the vault’s drainage system.
However, Clara, with her investigative instinct, noticed a loose drain cover in a corner of the vault. Her hopes lifted. Remembering the stories about the unparalleled drain repairs near Brighton, she wondered if the contractors had intentionally left a flaw for situations like this.
To her surprise, a note was hidden beneath the cover. “Trust the flow,” it read. With no time to lose, she followed the direction of the water. The narrow passage led her to a series of pipes and valves. Using the knowledge she’d gathered on her journey, she manipulated the system, creating an exit route.
As water levels rose, an escape hatch opened. Clara didn’t waste a second, grabbing a bag left there – no doubt by an ally – filled with crucial evidence against the Faucet Lords.
Emerging outside, she took a deep breath of freedom, her spirit unbroken. She knew the battle was far from over, but with evidence in hand and a city waiting to hear the truth, Clara was more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead.