Chapter 2

Some of the other aid workers, already on edge, looked uncertainly between Evie and Ethan.

Ethan had always been charming, persuasive.

"She's just scared," Dr. Peterson, a senior surgeon, said, though his eyes showed concern for Evie.

"We need to stick together," another nurse added nervously.

Evie met their gazes, her own unwavering.

"Krystal has had ample time. We are leaving."

The Marine officer in charge of the evacuation, a Captain Miller, strode over, his face grim.

"Ma'am, sir, the chopper leaves in T-minus five minutes. Final call. Anyone not on board by then is staying."

Ethan scoffed, a sound of pure arrogance.

"My father-in-law is Arthur Reed. I think a call to the State Department might adjust your schedule, Captain."

Captain Miller didn't even blink.

"My schedule is dictated by the deteriorating security situation and the flight window, sir. Not by anyone's father-in-law. Four minutes." He turned and walked back to the ramp.

Just then, Krystal Bellweather sauntered through the embassy gates.

She wasn't running. Her hair was perfectly tousled, a smudge of dirt artfully placed on one cheek, her phone already in hand, angling for a shot of the chaotic scene with herself looking "brave but distressed."

"Oh, thank God you waited!" Krystal trilled, rushing to Ethan's side, giving him a hug that was far too familiar for a "distant relative."

She spared Evie a glance, a tiny, triumphant smirk playing on her lips. Ethan returned it.

The fools. They thought they had won again.

Evie turned her back on them, pulling out her satellite phone.

A few quick dials.

"Dad," she said, her voice low and urgent, "It's happening again. I need you to enact Plan B. Now. The airport."

A pause. Her father' s voice, calm and decisive, came through.

"Consider it done, Evie. Are you safe for the next few hours?"

"I will be," Evie said. "Thank you."

She ended the call just as Captain Miller shouted, "Ramp up!"