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“He didn’t make it,” Bennett stated.
Fuck. No.
My gut told me that it was bad. I’d hoped he was just seriously injured. I gave the guy a lot of shit, but it was all in fun. Over the past year we’d gotten to know each other well. He told me stories about serving under Bennett when they were in the Corps. I had a lot of respect for that man. I couldn’t believe he was gone.
“I’m…sorry. I know he was a…good friend of yours,” I replied.
“Thanks.”
Unlike me, Bennett didn’t use humor to deal with difficult situations. And this one really sucked. But I had another question for him.
“The suspect. Is he…in jail? Is he dead?” I asked. Either would be okay, but I’d prefer the latter.
“No. He was gone by the time I arrived on site.”
That was a jolt of reality that scared the shit out of me. “He got away?” I asked again, hoping I hadn’t heard correctly.
“For now.”
I couldn’t believe it. We were so close. I saw him in my mind again, just staring at us as though he knew he was getting away.
“What happened? What caused the accident?” I asked Bennett.
“I guess the guy used to do mining and was very familiar with the use of dynamite. He booby-trapped a stick on the road leading to the dock.”
“Fuck!” In the dark, there was no way we would’ve noticed that.
If Kinsley had been with me, she could’ve been hurt or killed too. If someone like TJ was taken out by that asshole, then I knew I couldn’t keep Kinsley safe here. He knew we were looking for him, and would do anything not to get caught.
“Bennett, I need the jet.”
“Okay, but you’re not in shape for flying right now,” he replied.
“Not for me. For Kinsley,” I stated.
“What? I’m not going anywhere?” she said firmly.
I turned to look at her. She was angry that I even suggested it. But I was about to piss her off even more. “Yes, you are. You’re going home. I can’t keep you safe here.”
“I already told you that I don’t need you to. I’m very capable of taking care of myself,” she replied.
I shook my head and it pounded. “TJ is gone. I’m not going to risk you. You’re leaving.”
“I’m staying,” she replied.
“No. You’re not. Kinsley, you’re fired. And without employment, you have no reason to be in Tabiq.”
“Draven. You’re not thinking clearly. You can’t fire me. We have so much work yet to be done here. And you need me,” she stated in shock.
Like I need oxygen. But I need you alive and safe even more.
I turned back to Bennett. “Get her on that jet today.” I wasn’t asking. I was telling.
Bennett nodded and I heard Kinsley say, “You’re taking his side on this?” I saw Bennett nodding. “How about you, Finn? Do you agree with this?”
Finn said, “Draven cares very much about you. We all do. If that guy went to this extent to escape, we don’t know what he will do if he returns. When he’s caught, maybe you can return then.”
If she is still speaking to me after this.
