Would he ever see Mena’s stunning smile again?
Could he be left with nothing but memories of the woman he loved more than anything in this world?
Shaking the thoughts away, Julian skirted around the barricades and ran along the sidewalk across from the museum. Heavily armed Kenyan Police officers darted back and forth, trying to create a trail to evacuate people away from the museum as the front facade burned into the late evening sky. Sirens could be heard in the distance, battling the sounds of popping glass, crackling scorched earth, and twisting molten metal.
Julian couldn’t fathom what life would be like without Mena.
He would gladly sacrifice everything to know she was safe and—
A second explosion ripped through the air.
The wave of the blast slammed into Julian’s chest, knocking him backward, banging his head against the concrete street. Julian struggled to get his bearings as piercing screams erupted around him. Dozens of feet trampled past. He rolled over, shaking the dizziness from his head, his eyes drawn to a severed leg less than ten feet away. The street was bloodstained. Broken glass and metal littered the road as people ignored the directions of the police officers trying to maintain order.
The smell of burning gas smothered him as the truck parked in front of the museum ignited with fresh flames, the charred metal crumpling in the heat, leaving an ashy white hollow shell.
The Irungu Center extended out from the side of the museum, seemingly unaffected by the blasts burning the museum next to it.
Could Mena still be inside?
Her offices were in the Irungu Center, not in the museum. She could have heard the commotion and evacuated the building. He needed to make sure the people in the Irungu Center had gotten out safely.
Julian rose, checking the back of his head for any blood. A round knot was developing, but he was otherwise unharmed. Uniformed Kenyan police officers stood outside the revolving glass doors of the Irungu Center. Julian jogged across the street toward the officers.
“Is anyone still inside the Irungu Center, or were they all evacuated?” Julian demanded.
“This area is off-limits. You have to leave sir. Please follow the instructions of the police and exit the museum complex.” One of the officers responded, pointing across the street.
“You need to leave this area now,” another officer commanded.
“My girlfriend works in this building. I’m trying to find out if she’s okay. Can you at least tell me that?” Julian asked, growing frustrated.
“We can’t give any details. I’d suggest you call the police hotline that was set up to connect families with loved ones working in the area. You will be able to get the information you are looking for there,” the first officer said.
“It’s too dangerous for you to be in this area, please cross the street and follow the directions of the officers over there,” the second officer added, slipping a hand on his gun.
The last thing Julian needed was to make a scene and get hauled off to jail before he could find Mena. Julian turned and walked along the length of the Center toward the back alley. He knew he could get inside and search himself if the police hadn’t locked down the building. Reaching the entrance to the alley, Julian watched as a group of paramedics emerged. A woman lay on the gurney being pushed by two of the EMTs, her yellow dress soaked in dark red blood. Julian focused on her face, recognizing her instantly. It was Mena’s co-worker from the fundraising dinner. He couldn’t remember her name.
Julian ran over to one of the EMTs, trailing the other paramedics.
“Are there any other casualties from inside the Irungu Center? I’m looking for my girlfriend,” Julian said, the words rushing from his mouth as his heart pounded in his chest.
The guy looked up at him, sympathy in his eyes as he shook his head. “Building was empty. We found her in the alley suffering from multiple gunshots. No other victims. I hope you find your girl. This massacre is one of the worst we’ve experienced in a hell of a long time.”
“Thanks,” Julian said, but he wasn’t sure if he meant it. He still had no idea where Mena was or if she was safe or lying somewhere with bullets riddling her body like the lady on the gurney.
“Montgomery!”
Julian spun around to see Sunny waving at him from across the street. A black Mercedes idled behind her as she ran toward him.
Sunny grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the parked car. “You have to come with me. While the bombs were going off outside the museum, a group of terrorists entered the Irungu Center and kidnapped Wangari Irungu. Her family wants us involved in the search.”
“I can’t. I have to find Mena. Once I know she’s okay, I’ll join you,” Julian said, pushing away from Sunny’s tight grip.
“Montgomery! Mena isn’t in there,” Sunny said.
“How do you know? Where is she?” Julian demanded.
“The terrorists detonated two bombs outside the museum and sent four gunmen inside to shoot at innocent people—”
