BOOOOM!
Another explosion ripped through the air—this time from the 50th floor. The shockwave was so strong it felt like the whole building might collapse at any moment.
Whatever kind of bomb they used, it burned hot enough to melt through reinforced steel beams.
A taller firefighter, clearly of higher rank, stepped forward. His helmet reflected the flames, and his soot-smeared face bore the strain of someone who had been running from one emergency to the next.
He looked directly at me.
"Mr. Mercer, considering that you are the only person with authority over this matter, we recommend a complete demolition of the building."
"Demolition?" I repeated. "You want to blow it up? Are you insane?"
"The fire is spreading too fast. If we don't take decisive action, it could jump to neighboring buildings. Lives could be lost, and the surrounding area could be completely devastated. We have the expertise and explosives ready to bring it down safely."
