“When I quit, Tower refused to accept my resignation. I might still have a job—if we can get home without a major international incident.”
“If it’s okay with you, I’m going to look for a nursing job in Denver.” She said it casually, but there was nothing casual about it—not for Malik.
She wanted to live close to him.
The thought made his pulse pick up.
Play it cool, bruh.
“You’re welcome to stay at my place for as long as you need.”
Yeah, you’re chill. She can see right through you.
She met his gaze over the top of her coffee cup, a smile on her lips. “I’d like that.”
When they’d finished breakfast, they loaded the vehicle and set off for the airport.
Malik locked the doors and then entered their next destination into the navigation system. “Did you put the GPS tag in your shirt?”
“It’s in my bra.”
“Lucky GPS tag.”
“How do we know if those bastards have men watching this airport, too?”
“We don’t. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you see or hear anything that doesn’t seem right, say something.”
He pulled out into the street, where it was every driver for himself, motorbikes by the dozens threading their way through traffic, not a stop sign or traffic light to be seen. “I guess it’s drive at your own risk.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
They headed down the road, which seemed to be Parakou’s main street, following the navigation system’s directions and slowing at major intersections.
CRASH!
A collision brought the SUV to a stop, the airbag hitting Malik in the face with enough force to leave him stunned. It took him a moment to realize they’d been T-boned by a white van, their path blocked in front by a black SUV.
“Kristi, angel, are you okay?”
“Yes. They have guns, Malik.”
Men with handkerchiefs over their faces piled out of the van, raised their rifles.
“Hold on!” Malik kicked the vehicle into reverse and floored it, other cars and motorbikes making room for him.
Then he yanked the wheel, turning them around.
Rat-at-at-at! Rat-at-at-at! Rat-at-at-at!
Kristi screamed.
“Get down!” Malik felt one of the tires blow and then another, the rubber shredded by AK rounds.
He drove on rims as fast as he could, turning a corner, making for an alleyway. “When I stop, jump out and run for that set of stairs. Do you see it?”
“Y-yes.”
“Grab your backpack. Make sure you have your phone.” Malik turned into the alleyway, parked the SUV between two buildings. “Go!”