Page 18 of Guarding Zuri
An hour later, Daemon stood over a table, staring at several tablets with maps of the city, the coast, and the neighboring countries. They couldn’t stay here. President Gohi had increased the reward for the capture or killing of Bayo and Zuri. He had to get Zuri out of Bendola. Once Bayo’s death became public knowledge, she would be the most hunted person in the entire country. It would be easier to protect her on his turf.
He had made a promise to Bayo to protect his daughter. He wouldn’t let the man down. Archer gave him options on how to flee the country. His yacht sounded like the best one—if he could get Zuri to it. International waters would provide a haven until they docked in a neighboring country. From there, they’d take his plane to London, refuel, and then head to Washington, DC. Zuri wouldn’t like the idea of leaving Bendola, but she didn’t have a choice. He was in charge now.
David came up to him, his face grave. “We just got confirmation.”
Daemon put a hand over his eyes. If Joqi hadn’t made that wrong turn… “It wasn’t his fault,” Daemon spoke, still thinking of Joqi’s actions. “The EG were everywhere. He made a call. It’s done.”
“Confirmation about what?” Zuri came forward, sniffling. Her face dry, she squared her shoulders and waited to be included. Daemon gave her points for her composure. They had no time to grieve their loss.
“Joqi is…” David’s voice trailed off.
Zuri’s eyes widened. If she hadn’t suspected before, she was sure of it now.
Daemon cleared his throat. “Okay, this is what we’re going to do.” He pointed to the port on the map. “My yacht is here. We’ll cross the international maritime boundary and take my plane, which is at this airport.” He pointed to a spot in Cote d’Ivoire. “After that, it’s on to London and then—”
“I’m not leaving Bendola!” Zuri cried. All voices in the room stopped as the eyes of Daemon’s and David’s men looked at her.
Daemon steeled himself for this argument. He faced Zuri, his voice firm. “You don’t have a choice, Princess.”
“Yes, Ido. I am the leader of this resistance and—”
Daemon gripped her upper arms, dragging her to him, his face inches from hers. “And your face is on every wanted poster on every corner of every block. You won’t survive a week here. If you want to see your rebellion succeed, stay alive.” He gently shook her for added measure, hoping his words would find root.
“Get your hands off of me,” she whispered fiercely.
Daemon complied, but he didn’t back away. “I made a promise to your father, and I intend to keep it.I’min charge now, Zuri. You’ll have to fight this battle on foreign soil.”
“Daemon is right,” David said, his hand coming to rest beneath Zuri’s elbow. He pulled her away to face him. “You’re in charge now. I ask that you let me stay here and handle the logistics. You must leave the country, Zuri.”
“David…”
He smiled sadly. “It is the only way this will live on. Your father emboldened people, and they will remain faithful if you are still with us.Alive.We can only trust a few people now. It isn’t safe for you here. Go to America. Talk to the people who will help us. Then return and take your father’s place when it is safe.”
Whatever David had to calm Zuri and make her see reason, Daemon wanted it bottled before they left the country. How come she refused to see reason with him, but all David had to do was repeat the plan and it made sense? He wanted to avoid fighting her resistance every step of the way, no matter how much he enjoyed it.
“Like I said,” Daemon repeated, “we’ll take my yacht first and then get on a plane to London. After refueling, we’ll touch down in DC. You’ll receive refugee status and can work the democratic process from Knight Industries.”
“Industries?” Zuri asked, her curious gaze on his face.
Daemon nodded. “My family owns companies in several industries. We have contacts all over the globe. Whatever you need is at your disposal.”
Her brows came together as if she questioned his sincerity. Daemon didn’t care if she was skeptical. She’d see for herself when they were safely in DC. Once his father discovered he was protecting the leader of the resistance for a free Bendola, he’d beeline to meet her. Bendola’s rich resources would be the perfect investment ground for Knight Industries.
More ammunition for his father to force Daemon to take over as CEO of Knight Industries. Sure, Daemon didn’t mind the luxury and the technology his father’s wealth afforded him. He did amazing things for his clients, with an endless income at his disposal. Besides, he was having too much fun fighting clients, like Zuri, for control.
David led Zuri to another corner of the room, murmuring to her. Offering condolences or convincing her of the plan? Whatever gets her on board. David handed her a bottle of water and she sat in a chair and chugged the bottle. She accepted a nutrition bar from David and nibbled on it. Then David rejoined Daemon at the table.
“She’s grieving, Daemon. Cut her some slack.”
Daemon bristled at his friend’s criticism of his behavior. “David, even with her father’s death, she’s as obstinate as always. I made her father a promise—”
“And you’ll come through.” He put praying hands in front of his heart. “Just use a little finesse.”
“You want me to treat her delicately? The leader of the Bendola’s resistance? She won’t respect delicacy.” When David angled his head to the side and gave him a stern look, Daemon chuckled. “That’s the look you used to give soldiers who were pissing you off.”
“Yup.”
Daemon nodded and held up a hand. “Okay, okay. I’ll back off.” When David’s gaze didn’t relent, Daemon said, “Way off.”
