Page 69 of The Relentless Hero

“Hey, we’re losing valuable time. Need to get the fuck out of here.” Enzo barged inside, waving a hand at Julian.

Julian gave Uhuru another quick hug, then walked out of the small box of an office within the corrugated warehouse and made his way toward the back of the property where aircraft hangars lined the road. The helo sat outside the hangar, the blades starting to turn slowly as Taye prepped for take-off.

Walking out into the warm night air, Julian looked up at the stars peppering the sky. He wondered if Mena could see the same sky. Was she looking up, praying that he would come to rescue her soon? Or was she already—

Julian’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

Grabbing it quickly, he glanced at the screen. Unknown number.

Answering it, Julian said, “Yeah.”

“Julian … oh, God … I can’t believe I finally got through to you!”

Julian felt his legs go weak as he stopped in the middle of the lot. He closed his eyes, willing himself to stay calm. “Mena? Is that you?”

“Yes! Yes! It’s me. I’m fine. Oh God! Julian, I miss you so much! I didn’t know if I’d be able to get through to you,” Mena said, her voice choked with emotion as she cried on the line.

Heart racing, Julian said, “Mena, listen to me. Tell me where you are. I’m coming to get you. Tell me where you are.”

The line was silent.

Julian closed his eyes, focusing on the sound of her ragged breaths as she cried. The connection was faint, but he could still hear her on the line.

Mena sniffed, then said, “I’m sorry. No, don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m at the safe house … signal … bad … couldn’t get through to you … finally … will be driving back … tomorrow … Tubeec Hirad still after me … be back … morning …”

Julian could barely make out her answer as the cell phone reception crackled and faded in and out.

“What safe house?” Julian asked, his words slow and measured. Glancing up at the helicopter, he motioned for Glaze and Enzo to come over to where he was. He didn’t want to move for fear of losing the signal. “Who is with you?”

“Julian? Julian? Are you there? I can’t hear you …” Mena’s voice grew more frantic.

“I’m here. Can you hear me? Mena! Mena!” Julian said.

“I hear you! I love you, Julian. This phone is so bad … so hard … spotty … trying to call … glad … “

Julian clenched his fist, fighting frustration as the reception distorted Mena’s words.

“Mena, who are you with? Where are you?” Julian asked.

“What? Julian? … did you … what? Safe house … with him … got me … out … he rescued me … I’m okay … miss you so much.”

“Mena, honey listen to me. Tell me who’s there with you,” Julian said, his words coming out slowly as the reception grew fainter.

“Stay there … too dangerous … Tubeec … will kill you … coming home … stay … I’m fine … kept …”

“Mena?”

“ … leaving in morning …”

“Who is bringing you back? Let me talk to him,” Julian said, changing his tactics. “Mena, I want to talk to who is with you now!”

“Hold on …” Mena said.

He heard the rustling of movement.

Her words were faint, but he listened intently, straining to hear the name she called.

The line went dead.