Page 35 of Dalla's Royal Guards

“Yes, sir,” Tomás replied.

Gunther started to turn away, but Detri stopped him. He appreciated the hostile glare Gunther gave him. The man was burning with rage, and Detri would use it to his advantage.

“I want you to find her,” he said.

“And when I do?”

“Do nothing… yet. Just find her. I’ll let you know when to bring her in,” he responded.

Gunther gave him a terse nod and walked away. Detri grimaced as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out of his pocket and glanced at the number.

It didn’t look like he was going to get all of his answers before he spoke to Kramer. Connecting the call, he lifted the cell phone to his ear and spoke.

“There’s been another setback.”

The steady hum of the vehicle, her dawn trek, and sleepless night soon lulled Dalla into dreamless slumber.

Musad glanced in the rearview mirror several times after they returned to the vehicle. They didn’t have time to waste. They were still technically in Kashir. Until they crossed the border into Simdan, none of them would be safe.

“I can’t believe she brought down a helicopter with a bow and arrow,” Nasser muttered.

Musad’s lips quirked at the thought. “I bet neither could the pilot and crew. I’m glad she did, or Donovan and the others wouldn’t have made it to safety with Cianna.”

“What do you think is in the mountains?” Nasser asked.

Musad shook his head. “I have no idea.”

“You don’t think this is a trap, do you? I know she saved our lives, but the stuff she said—it’s hard to believe.”

Musad glanced in the rearview mirror at Dalla. She was asleep. She had bundled her headscarf into a makeshift pillow and was resting her head in the corner between the seat and the window. Her eyelashes curved like twin crescents, lips parted with each quiet breath.

He jerked his eyes back to the road when he hit a pothole. He needed to focus. Pursing his lips, he thought about his brother’s question and shook his head.

“No, I don’t think it is a trap. I think she needs our help,” he said.

“Yeah, I think you are right,” Nasser finally agreed.

The ping of his cell phone mounted to the holder on the dash alerted him to an incoming message. Nasser reached out and pulled the phone free.

“Donovan says they made it to the airport and are about to leave for Narva. He’s asking if we need backup,” Nasser said.

“No, not yet. We’ll be in Simdan in a few more miles. Once we are across the border, we should have a measure of safety.”

Nasser nodded and sent a reply. Musad shot his brother a raised eyebrow when Nasser released a snort of laughter. Nasser grinned back at him.

“He said Father asks us to thank Dalla for her protection and says he can’t wait to meet her in person.”

Musad shot his brother a startled glance. “How did he know about her?”

“I have no idea.”

Musad looked in the rearview mirror again. His eyes connected with Dalla’s. He had to force his attention back to the road before he ran off it.

“We’ll cross the border in a couple of miles. We should be at the base of the mountains within the hour. Are you hungry or thirsty?” he asked.

“Both,” she replied.

“There’s a cooler and food container behind the seat.”