Page 114 of No Going Back

“Good. We’re all here if you need us. To talk, answer questions. Anytime. But you also need to talk to a professional.”

“I will. I promise.”

Sam stood, then leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “I need to head back. Rest up, and I look forward to seeing you back when you’re ready. In the meantime, we will let you know as soon as we have anything on Tyler. Good or bad. You have my word.”

“Thanks, Sam. For saving my life, and for what you’re doing for Tyler. Whatever happens, I won't forget it.”

“You’re welcome. Now rest. That’s another order.” He opened the door and headed into the house, leaving her alone to worry about the man she loved.

Chapter 19

Tyler woke tied to a chair in what looked like an old derelict building.

“Who are you?” The man in front of him spoke in perfect English, despite looking like a local wearing Pakistan’s traditional Kurta.

“Who the fuck are you?’ Tyler retorted. He strained against the ropes that bound his wrists and ankles, testing the strength. Yeah, he wasn’t getting out of these knots fast.

“Who are you? Who do you work for?”

“I don’t work for anyone.”

“Really?” The man smiled.

Two more men walked into the room. Tyler recognized them as the ones who bundled him into the van. They carried rifles and stood guard either side of him. The first man said something to them in what sounded like Pashtu, but too fast for Tyler to understand. He then left the room.

The two men didn’t move, watching him, hands on their rifles. Tyler took the opportunity to look at his surroundings. The chair he sat on was rickety. A good hard shove against the wall should break it easily. There was only one entrance to the room, but there was a broken window behind him big enough to climb through. In the corner of the room was a small table with an unlit oil lamp perched on top. All things that could help him escape, if he didn’t have two armed men watching him. If he wasn’t tied up, he was confident he could take both easily. But the extra time it would take to get out of the ropes if he broke the chair would be all they needed to put a bullet in him.

His thoughts were interrupted when the first man returned. Behind him was another new face, although he looked a little familiar. The new guy took out his cellphone, looking between Tyler and the screen.

“You are American military.”

Tyler masked his surprise.

“Where are the rest of your team?”

Tyler didn’t answer. This man was in charge. Confident. He wore all white traditional dress. Impeccable.

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