Page 13 of Lyon

“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.”

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