I asked God to answer her prayers.
A volley of gunshots echoed behind us.
Tires squealed on the wet pavement.
“We lost Sheppard,” G said, slamming down the accelerator.
“Nina, stay down!”
Shots rang out. Bullets ricocheted off the car.
The next gunshot-like sound was from a tire blowing.
Gibson fought to control the car, the rain making it more difficult.
“Isn’t the car’s bullet proof?” Nina screamed.
“The car is, but the tires aren’t,” I answered.
More shots clanged off the car. The back window cracked, but held.
A second tire blew.
I gripped the driver’s side headrest with one hand and secured Nina with the other as Gibson struggled to get the fishtailing car back on path.
Once he did, I rolled down my window while drawing my pistol.
Rain pelted me as I leaned out the window and fired back, aiming at the tires.
Bullets bounced off the pavement.
Some struck the grill.
I missed the tires.
Unfortunately for us, we’d lost both back tires and G was quickly losing control as the asphalt tore up the rims.
“I can’t control it much longer.”
“Pull over, we’ll have to fight.”
I rolled up the window and wiped the rain off my face.
The back rims smoked as Gibson brought the car to a halt along a narrow patch of tall grass at the side of the road. Just beyond it was a rapidly filling ditch.
“Nina, no matter what, stay in the car. If they come for you, don’t fight. And whatever you do, don’t tell them anything. Sheppard will come for you.” It didn’t matter which one; I trusted SSI had already called in Shepherd Security and they’d track Nina’s location.
“As soon as we’re out, lock the doors.”
“Okay,” she croaked out around sobs, before covering her eyes and curling into the fetal position.
“Ready?” G asked.
“Ready.”
We slammed the doors closed behind us, brought our guns up, and started firing at the four men sprinting towards us.
I prayed Nina remembered to lock the doors.
