Page 111 of Depths of Destruction

"I have the feeling we aren't getting to Bermuda tonight," Naomi mutters and leans over the edge.

I put my arm around her waist, worried about her falling in. "I would say that is a pretty accurate statement. Come on."

We get back in the vehicle.

I point to the glove compartment. "Is there a map in there?"

Naomi opens it. "Bingo!" She beams and opens up the paper.

My gut sinks when I look at the map. "It'll take us an entire day to get there going this route." I trace my finger on the lines.

"There's no guarantee those roads aren't bad, too."

I groan. "Let's head back to Tinker's."

Naomi pouts. "Aww. I was looking forward to you serving me all day in bed."

"Don't worry. You get a rain check. I'll be more than happy to fulfill your every wish."

"Deal." She winks.

We head back toward Tinker's and are almost there when two army green SUVs pull out behind us.

"What the..."

One of the vehicles moves to the other lane and increases speed until it's even with our car.

"What are they doing?" Naomi cries out.

"Trying to run us off the road," I say as the truck slams into the side of our car.

The vehicle we're in is no match for the power of the SUV, and we skid off the road. "Hold on!" We tumble down a valley. I throw my arm across Naomi's chest to try and protect her from flying forward and brace myself with my other hand.

When the car finally stops, there is smoke coming out of the hood, and my heart is racing. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Who was that?"

"I don't—"

The sound of gunfire fills the air.

"Get down." I push Naomi's head down to her knees and sink into my seat but look out the side mirror.

The men who ran us off the road are coming at us, and one is hanging halfway out the passenger side window with his machine gun pointed at our car.

"Andre, what's happening?" Naomi's shaky voice cries out.

"I'm not sure. Stay down."

There is nowhere to run. If we get out, they will shoot us.

I reach for my bag in the back seat, but they fire, and I duck back down into my position.

The vehicle approaches, and the men scream in Spanish.

Naomi rises and holds her hands up, and I slowly do the same.

"What's he saying?"