Page 49 of Marks of Rebellion
"What's with the blanket?" Kalim points to the see-through bag.
Silence.
"What is going on?" Kalim barks out, and Vanessa jumps next to me.
I put my arm around her. "Easy, Kalim."
"Sorry, ma'am."
Vanessa stays silent. Her body shakes.
"Where's Andre?"
"Wasn't my turn to watch him," Ryker replies.
"Funny. Where is he?"
"I don't know. Maybe you should try calling him," I suggest.
Kalim picks his phone out of his pocket, hits a button, and puts it to his ear. His face reddens, and he snarls, "Since when does Lòpez have his phone off during a rescue mission?"
More silence.
"Damn it. You two better start talking."
Vanessa shakes harder, and I hold her tighter to me.
"Calm down," I insist through clenched teeth.
Kalim glances at Vanessa then me. His eyes widen slightly.
Crap. He knows.
"You don't know what you're doing. Interpol is going to have your asses."
"Kalim, go back to guarding the perimeter," Ryker sternly orders.
Kalim raises his eyebrows. "I'm not letting you ruin your lives."
"We're men. We make our own decisions," Ryker replies.
Kalim turns and gets to the tent then puts his phone to his ear.
"Damn it," Ryker mutters. "Jeep, now."
We swiftly guide the ladies to the vehicle, and Ryker gets in the driver's side. He says, "Put your belts on, ladies."
Kalim turns. "What are you doing?" he yells and starts running toward another SUV.
"He doesn't know when to stop, does he?" I grumble and reach into my bag for my gun.
"What are you doing?" Ryker asks.
Kalim gets in and starts the Jeep.
"Buying us time. Cover your ears and get down," I yell at Vanessa and Julieta. I stand up and brace myself against the top bar, aim at Kalim's tire, and shoot.
"What the hell," Ryker yells.
