Page 323 of 5+Us Makes Seven

I left the office building with my mind racing. When I got to the corner and turned, I noticed the man who had followed me earlier. He wasn’t wearing the beard this time, but I could tell it was him.

What the fuck does he want? I wondered as I increased my pace, ready to lose him. If I slipped into a bar for a few drinks, he would never find me. My heart beat faster as I sped up even more.

At the next alley, I turned sharply and took off running. When I reached the end, an unmarked four-door sedan pulled out and slammed on the brakes, almost hitting me. Two men jumped out.

I craned my neck to peer behind me. The man who had been following was at the opposite end of the alley, heading toward me. Fuck. I looked back at the other two who had guns drawn.

“What the fuck do you guys want?” I shouted. “Didn’t Max tell you I was out for good?”

The two men looked at each other briefly then back to me.

“Talk to me, mother fuckers.”

“You better watch what you say,” the man walking up behind me said.

I turned to face him, ready to bolt the first chance I got.

“Take it easy. We just want to ask some questions.”

“About what?” I asked, flexing my muscles.

“Afghanistan,” he said then turned to the other two men. “You two, back in the car.”

They obeyed immediately, not saying a word.

“What about Afghanistan? That was a long time ago.”

“Relax. We don’t have enough proof to take you down in a court of law, at least not here in the States, but we know you were involved with the smuggling. Do you realize how much help you gave the Chinese?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that all before. Believe me. We’re after Max. He’s working with someone posing as a journalist.”

“A woman?”

“Yeah, why?”

“She’s not involved,” I said.

“How do you know?”

“I just do, okay?”

“Are you connected to her?”

“I said she’s not involved. Keep her out of this, okay?”

“Relax, big guy. I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

We locked eyes, neither of us backing down or looking away.

“We want you to help us take down Max. Your name will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Hell, we might even throw in an extra incentive for your cooperation.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“You better do it fast. We don’t have a lot of time.”