Yoichi grabbed my arm and stopped me. “We have no time.”
“But. . .”
Another woman helped her up. She was shaking so hard her teeth were chattering.
A third boom rolled across the island.
This one was farther away. The ground didn't shake, but a small group of kids raced away in horror.
Goddamn it. Where are their parents?
We got to my cart, and I turned to my guards. They stood in formation around me. "Listen."
They watched.
"I’m safe with Yoichi. Go get your kids, wives, and loved ones off this island. Get them on a helicopter or boat. Once your families are safe, come find me. But your families are priority right now. Not me."
None of them moved.
I looked at Yoichi.
He shook his head. "Their first priority is you."
I drew in a breath, raised my hand, and pointed to the soul pin that Reo had given me.
Yoichi frowned.
“The Tiger commands it. Go get your kids and wives off this fucking island. The Dragon doesn't have to know. If he has a fucking problem with it, I'll deal with him personally.” I dropped my hand. “Now go!"
For one beat, nothing happened.
Then the tall one with the scar through his eyebrow gave me the deepest bow I had ever received in my life. "Yes, Tora."
He turned and ran off.
Two more nervously backed away and then ran off too.
The rest stayed.
I looked at them. "No kids or wives?"
One nodded. "None."
"Parents on the island?"
They shook their heads.
Yoichi crossed his muscular arms over his chest. “Are we done saving everyone else besides yourself now?”
“No, but I will get onto the cart.”
To my surprise, Yoichi let out a dark chuckle and headed to the driver’s side.
I climbed in the back. "I know you disagree with what I just did."
"I actually don't."
"No?"
