Page 12 of Lyon

“Yeah, I don’t feel good about leaving her alone either. I know Mack is with her, and he’ll take her to that other group. But what if someone is lying in wait? Did she have a gun?”

“Yeah, I think I saw two guns on her, and if I’m not mistaken, some knives tucked under her boots. I meant to ask her about them but forgot. I hope she knows how to use them,” I said, shaking my head. “The sooner we get back and pick her up, the more at peace I’ll be.”

“I agree,” Gage said. “Hopefully, she’s found her brother, and he’s alive. She won’t leave until she finds him, dead or alive. She wants to bring him home, and that’s what she’ll do.”

“Okay, here we are. Let’s find a landing strip. I hope they let us unload.”

“These are Americans,” Gage said. “They better let us unload.”

Authorities were waiting as we taxied to a stop. They boarded the plane, demanding papers from everyone. I approached one of them. “Listen, these are Americans left behind in Afghanistan. We’re taking them home, but first, we need to return and get more.”

“You can’t unload them here. What if Afghanistan attacks India? You have to fly them to America.”

“I want to speak to your President. While I’m on the phone with him, we’ll Zoom call my President to see who will allow these Americans off our plane. If you’re smart, you’ll let us unload these tired, terrified, starving people. They need a place to stay until they’re picked up and taken home. Can you find them something to eat? My government will reimburse you for everything.”

“No need to call the President. Of course, we’ll take care of these poor people.”

My phone rang. “Hello, who is this?”

“This is Kash Walker, Army Ranger. We’ll be there in a couple of hours. What base are you using?”

We’re in India; they’re the friendliest. We’ll be leaving again as soon as we refuel. I’m sure we’ll see each other while we’re here. Don’t let anyone find out about this. We don’t want to tip off the Taliban. Thanks, Kash.” “The government sent some planes to pick up the Americans left behind. They’ll be here in a few hours.”

I turned to the official.“The government will be here to pick up the Americans. They can stay here at the airport and board the plane when it arrives. Can you get them something to eat and drink, please?” “Of course, I’ll take care of it right now.” “Thank you,” I watched as everyone exited the airplane, holding hands. Most were crying and talking on phones provided by people inthe airport. I hoped their spouses would be there for them. I knew some of my friends had remarried, believing their spouses were dead and buried.”

6

Niki

I walkedpast 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.

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