Page 85 of Duty Bound

“Couple of weeks, at least.”

Fuck.

“You’re safe here,” Stitch repeated. “Farzaad doesn’t mind if you stay.”

Blade hobbled across the room, assisted by Stitch. His legs wobbled, but he gritted his teeth and aimed for the door.

“Who is this guy?”

“He’s a friend. I met him shortly after I arrived. He’s a good guy, you can trust him.”

“How do I know?”

“Because I delivered his baby twins earlier this year, and they’d have died without me. He owes me big time.”

A smiling, turbaned man walked toward them. He extended a hand. “Hello. I am Farzaad.”

They shook.

“Farzaad doesn’t speak much English.” Stitch grinned. “But he’s a great cook. He works in a restaurant in the next town. You won't go hungry.”

Blade nodded. The guy looked genuine, and he trusted Stitch, but until he’d spent some time with the chef, he would reserve judgment.

They made their way to a side door. Farzaad opened it to reveal a garage.

No way.

Farzaad had a shiny Honda CRF450L parked in the center, looking like it was just waiting to hit the road.

“Fuck, yeah.” The sleek, aggressive lines of the bike screamed performance, while its sturdy build spoke of reliability.

“This is your ride out of here.” Stitch patted the motorcycle.

Holding on to the wall for support, Blade inspected the 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission. It had plenty of grunt for off-road but would be a smooth ride on the highways too. Plus, it had the range to get him to Kabul.

Blade turned to Farzaad. “You don’t mind?”

He shook his head and patted Stitch on the shoulder. “Anything for ?ak?ar Sahib’s friend.”

Blade raised an eyebrow.

“That’s what they call me here.” A self-conscious smile lifted one corner of Stitch’s lips.

“I’ll look after it.”

“Easy now,” Stitch warned. “You’re not going anywhere until I say so.”

“What are you? My doctor?” He grinned, then winced.

“Two weeks, minimum.” He helped Blade back to bed. “I’ve got to head back, but I’ll check up on you in a few days.”

“Okay, thanks, Stitch.” He meant it.

“Just like old times, eh?” The medic grinned. “Stay out of trouble till I get back.”

“Will do.”

Blade lay back down on the bed. Stitch’s voice came through the thin walls as he said goodbye to Farzaad and left instructions not to let him go anywhere. No worries there.

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