“X factor,” I murmur.
“What’s that?”
I clear my throat, declare more loudly, “Showtime.”
We’re off and running.
I HEAD IMMEDIATELYfor the relative safety of the main avenue, having to step on the gas as our follower bears down.We can’t afford to be run off the road, meaning I’m pretty quickly at speeds not safe for any driver, let alone one who barely remembers how to hold a steering wheel.
When we finally careen onto the wide, well-lit boulevard, making a hard left with wheels squealing, I’m the one who’s a shaky mess, and I’m definitely not faking it.
This time of night, there are not a ton of cars on the road, but there are enough to provide a buffer.Also, we now have the relative protection of Tucson’s traffic cams, not to mention possible police presence, to help keep violent impulses in check.
Our pursuer drops back, allowing a small sedan to get between us.Trying to convince us they’ve given up, are simply going to let their prey go free?
We’re not that stupid.
Roberta continues providing instructions as we literally head for the hills, making the winding climb up to the compound.Habib and company remain one car behind.But with only a singlevehicle between us, I’m confident they’ll see me turn into the compound.
As planned, Daryl has left the massive wrought-iron gates wide open.We roll in, coming to a halt just opposite the main entrance’s heavy, Spanish oak double doors.I have never appreciated their solid thickness and heavy-duty locks more.
Headlights whip past.Some stranger headed home to tuck in for the night, versus what we have planned.
A glow, growing larger.Passing by, but at a much slower speed than normal.
“Go.”
Sabera and I pop out of Aliah’s car.The property is aglow with all of Bart’s fancy landscape lighting, illuminating palm trees, the circular fountain, and the main house in a wash of warmth and splendor.
I have my arm around Sabera’s shoulders, careful not to grip too tight given all her injuries as we hustle across the broad cobblestone drive to the front portico.I make a show of fumbling with the door’s overly ornate, overly complicated bronze lock, as we wait for it…
We don’t see the vehicle, just catch the low purr of an engine as our tail finally eases through the front gate, headlights off.I force myself not to turn around as I push open the massive door and usher Sabera inside.
The SUV halts outside the pool of light.The sound of a door popping open before being carefully shut.
A presence not seen but now felt, watching from the dark.
I step inside, securing the dead bolt with an audible thunk behind me.
Fish hooked.
Now the real adventure begins.
I GUIDE SABERAcarefully through the shadowy interior.Don’t step there.Wait, circle around that, now head straight forward.We make our way to the kitchen, where the overhead lights are still on, though dimmed.Just enough visibility to call attention to the space, without making it look like we’re obviously advertising.Sabera is growing increasingly confused.
“I don’t understand.What are we to do?”
“Sit.Wait.See if our helpers get the job done first.”
“Helpers?”
“It might be best if you didn’t know.Basically, the biggest flaw with our ‘bring the enemy to us’ plan is that we lack some pretty important information about the enemy.How many?How heavily armed?How well trained?To hedge our bets, we, umm, decided to use the property and its residents to our greatest advantage.”
If anything, Sabera appears more bewildered.She’s still gripping her rusty steak knife.More power to her.
“Look, you said there were three other kidnappers, yes?”
She nods.
