"I think what you did was admirable and beautiful." Yoichi gripped the keys hanging from the ignition, twisted them, and turned the cart’s engine on. "I just think the Dragon will break my ribs over it."
I widened my eyes.
Yoichi glanced over his shoulder. “Lucky for me, I heal pretty fast.”
Another boom from the outer ridge.
The cart shook, and then an older woman got in front of us.
Yoichi let out an annoyed breath. “Move. Now is not the time.”
“Oh, please help us!” The woman’s white hair was pinned in a low knot. She donned a black dress and had a cane in her right hand which made sense because her back was hunched over like she was in pain.
Her left hand held the small hand of a little boy. Another little boy stood on her other side.
Yoichi frowned at her. “The helicopters and boats are over there.”
The woman kept her gaze on me. "Tora, can you help us?"
I leaned forward. “What do you need?”
My remaining guards moved instantly, and one yelled out. “Step back. Get in line for evacuation. Now."
The old woman did not move. "Please, it’s just me and my grandsons. I’ve already lost my son—their father—in the last battle."
I looked at the two boys.
They were maybe eight or nine years old and wore matching lavender shirts and shorts.
Yoichi blew out that exasperated breath. “We don’t have time for you right now, old woman.”
I blinked. “Yoichi, wecanhelp them.”
He sighed.
I gestured for them to come over. “How can I help?”
The old woman's eyes filled with hope. "These two little boys are my grandsons. I don't want them to die. Can you help us get to the evacuation? My old bones will not get us there fast enough. Please, Tora."
Yochi barked at her, "There's no room on the cart. We’re already at capacity for your security."
"There is room.” I scowled. “We'll take fewer guards. A cart will come back for them."
Yoichi pursed his lips.
“Come on.” I gestured for her to come over and sit next to me.
The guards backed up.
The old woman bowed so deeply I thought she would fall over. "Thank you, Tora. Thank you. Bless your soul a thousand times—"
“Just get on with it.” Yoichi sucked his teeth.
I blinked again, shocked at how rude Yoichi was being when I knew him to typically be very thoughtful.
She let her grandson’s hand go. The two boys ran over and hopped in the front with Yoichi who immediately frowned at them.
I saw one of them stick out his tongue at Yoichi.
