Page 6

6

Niki

I walked past the starving individuals; twenty-three were in this group, but my brother wasn’t among them. I assured them that help was on the way.

As we moved to the next group, my stomach growled—a stark reminder that I hadn’t eaten in a few days. I’d given away all my snacks, including those Lyon and the others had left me. Knowing how hungry these people were, I couldn’t bring myself to eat; they were mere skin and bones.

In the distance, we saw a dust cloud approaching. Mack quickly led us behind a building. The vehicles passed by but then turned and headed straight toward us. I glanced at Mack.

“It’s okay,” I whispered. “There are only five; we can handle this.”

“We can’t use our guns,” he cautioned. “The entire Taliban force will descend upon us. Let’s act normal; they’ll think we belong here. Just walk into that building over there.”

“What makes you think we can take on five men?” Mack asked.

“I’m an FBI Special Agent,” I replied.

“Oh, yeah? Have you ever fought multiple men at once?” Mack inquired.

“Many times. I can handle myself. I told Lyon that, but I don’t think he believed me,” I said.

“He’s a protector. He’d step in front of a bullet for you,” Mack noted.

“I don’t want anyone doing that for me,” I said, sensing someone approaching. “They’re here.”

“Don’t talk,” Mack warned. “They’ll tear your clothes off.”

“Stop! Who are you?” one of the Taliban demanded, aiming a machine gun at us.

Mack spoke for us. I understood most of it but pretended to be interested in the items hanging on the walls, subtly adjusting my stance for a potential high kick.

When the man shouted at me to turn around, I complied. Anticipating trouble, I glanced at Mack. The man seemed ready to shoot, so I swiftly kicked him in the neck, killing him instantly.

“Let’s get out of here,” he urged. “Through the back door, before the others come.”

We hurried out and ran as fast as we could without drawing attention.

“Follow me,” Mack directed.

After an hour, we paused. I leaned against a wall. “Where’s the next group?”

“Not far. There’s a bus there. We’ll move them when the sun sets,” Mack replied.

“They need food. Where can we get some?” I asked.

“There’s a market nearby, but I don’t have much money. I’ve spent everything on food for the Americans,” Mack admitted.

“You’ve done an excellent job. Are you coming back to America with us?” I inquired.

“Yes, on the last trip,” Mack said.

“Then you’ll be compensated for everything you’ve done. Our government owes you for saving and caring for our people.”

Entering the next building, which housed more Americans, I searched for Max. I stopped when I saw a man lying on the floor, dried blood covering his shirt. He looked dead, but then I saw him breathe.

I rushed to him and knelt beside him. “Max, open your eyes. Can you hear me?” I lifted his shirt, revealing a swollen bullet wound.

“Is this your brother, Max?” Mack asked.

“Yes. Is the bullet still in him?” I asked.

“Yes. No one could remove it. We couldn’t find a doctor without risking everyone here,” Mack explained.

“How long has it been?” I demanded, anger rising.

“Seven days. He was shot while getting food for everyone. When he didn’t return, some teenagers found him after dark,” Mack said.

“Seven days with a bullet inside him?” I exclaimed.

“I’m sorry. There was nothing we could do. We need to leave now. Are you coming with us?”

“Help me get my brother on the bus.”

“No, leave me here.”

“Max, thank God you’re awake. I’m not going to leave you here.”

“Niki, why are you here?” He reached out to touch me.

“I came to find you. I knew you weren’t dead. I’m not leaving without you. Help me get him up,” I said, looking at Mack.

“No, I can’t be moved because the bullet is up against my spine. I want you to leave me here.”

“How do you know it’s against your spine?” I pushed his hair back from his eyes; he was burning with fever. I had to get that bullet out.

“Niki, you have to leave. It’s too dangerous for you here. Please go. You shouldn’t have come.”

“Just add it to the list of things I shouldn’t have done,” I said. When I glanced at him, I saw he was sleeping again. I had to find a way to get Max out of here and to a hospital. I looked at Mack again. “I’m staying here with my brother. I’ll figure something out.”

“The Golden Team won’t like it.”

“I don’t care what they like. I’m staying with my brother. They can get as mad as they want. I won’t leave him to die alone,” I whispered, anguish bringing tears to my eyes. I covered my face with my hands and shook my head. “I’ll be fine.”

“Hurry and get those people somewhere safe. They’re starving. You’ve taken care of them all this time. Thank you; it’s an honor to know you, Mack. Now go.”

“It’s my honor to know you, Niki. Please be careful.”

“I will.” As soon as he left, I got to work on Max. I felt guilty for hiding my water and alcohol. I knew in my heart I would need them, so I kept them in my bag. “Oh, Max, you’ve lost so much weight.”

I poured some alcohol on the wound and felt around it until he screamed in pain. His eyes opened, glazed over, but he recognized me. “Why the fuck are you still here? You have to get out. It’s dangerous.”

“Max, how many times have I been in dangerous places? Hundreds of times, sometimes with you.”

I pressed on the wound to see if I could feel the bullet. “What are you doing? That hurts.”

“I’m going to try to get this bullet out. The longer it’s in, the worse it is.”

“Please don’t touch it again. If it’s my time, then it’s my time. Listen, Niki, I can feel myself fading; you know how much I love you. You’re the best sister in the world. Tell Mom and Dad I love them. I’m sorry about dying. I know it’s hard for you. That’s why I want you to leave. I don’t want you to see me die.”

I chuckled; I couldn’t help it. Max knew I would never let him die if I could stop it, and I would. When I glanced at Max, I saw he was sleeping. I wiped away more tears as they fell.

I got up and walked around the building. I decided I would take Max myself to a hospital. I needed to find materials to make a makeshift stretcher to pull him out of there. Should I wait for Lyon to come back? What if they don’t return, and we’re both dead before anyone finds us?

I found a blanket, a tarp, and some leather straps. I placed everything next to Max and started making a stretcher. This was going to be more challenging than I thought. Max had lost weight, but he was still a big, tall man. I knew the wood I found wouldn’t be enough.

I lay down next to Max and slept for a few hours; it was so dark I couldn’t see anything. I didn’t want to use the rest of the candle yet, so I lay back down and put my arm over Max. I wanted him to feel me and know I wouldn’t let him die.