“I see it.” And knew if I didn’t get her out fast, it would blow. We would all get caught in the explosion.
“We can’t get to her on the other side. They’re up against a massive tree,” Slay said. He and the others joined me. Together we pulled on the door. And nothing. It still wouldn’t budge.
“It’s not working,” Silvia whimpered. “Move away. It’s going to blow.”
“No, I’m getting you out.” I put all my strength and might into opening the door.
Adrenaline pumped through my veins, but it wasn’t giving me Superman strength. I had never been more scared than I was right now. I couldn’t leave her. I couldn’t let her die.
“Everyone back!” I shouted at my brothers as the flames licked my face. “Get back.”
“Save yourself, Andy. It’s okay. I’m not afraid. I’ll finally see my parents and Tonio,” she told me, sounding defeated.
“No, goddammit! Stop talking like that.” If she was going to die, I was too.
“Don’t say the Lord’s name in vain.”
I smiled, then started crying. “Don’t leave me, Chiquita.” I slammed my hand on the fucking door. “You’re the only woman I want.”
“That makes me so happy to hear. Now, I can die in peace.”
“Shield your face, Silvi!” Slay hollered. “We’re coming in from the back.” He swung a huge sledgehammer on the rear window and shattered it.
I went around to see what he was doing. “Do you think she can make it out the back?”
“I sure as hell hope so. This thing weighs a ton.” He swung again and most of the window was gone. “Silvi, try to make it out honey. Come on.”
I held my breath watching her try to maneuver her body out the back of the SUV.
“She needs to go faster,” Cactus said from behind me. “The flames are raging.”
“Hurry, baby! You can do it.”
“I’m trying.”
I reached my hands toward her. “Come on. I’m right here.”
“It’s not looking good, boss.” Slay tapped my shoulder.
“You all get back.” I shouted.
“You’re almost here, Silvia. Keep your eyes on me.” She reached for my hands and the tips of our fingers touched.
A small explosion at the front made me duck.
“It’s blowing!” Cactus yelled. “Take cover!”
I stared at Silvia as I reached her wrists, then I pulled her out and ran with her in my arms.
The SUV burst into flames just as we hit the ground.
Old man Louis stopped his truck in front of the clubhouse. I refused to let Silvia out of my sight, and she was in no condition to ride bitch on my hog. So, we hitched a ride with Louis after my crew put my bike in the back.
“I appreciate the lift, Louis. You were a huge help today. Appreciate it.” I opened the door and exited the truck, holding my girl in my arms.
Against Silvia’s wishes, I made her sit on my lap. She seemed to be okay, just some minor bruises and cuts. Now I would carry her into her new home, a bullet-ridden clubhouse. But it was still standing and could be repaired, that was all that mattered.
“Anytime, neighbor. If there’s anything you need let me know.” Louis lifted his hand.