"Probably another three to four hours. We can cross tonight. Tinker said we can stay on the El Salvador side of the border on his friend's property. Tomorrow we should be able to get through a good portion of Guatemala."
Zoe turns in her seat to face me. "What happens when we get to Bermuda?"
"We figure out the next steps."
She wrinkles her forehead.
"Why do you look so worried?"
She takes a deep breath. "How am I going to hide from the Global Leaders? They're everywhere."
"We will figure it out."
She doesn't appear convinced.
I stroke her cheek. "We have to take this day by day, my Little Diva."
"Feels like that's the story of my life," she mutters.
"What do you mean?"
Her eyes glass over. "The last few years all I've told myself is, 'get through today.' Then when I got clean, I said the same thing. It's just..."
"You feel like you're never going to get to the future?"
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"I felt the same way when I was in the military."
"You did?"
"Yes. First, it was boot camp. Then the war zone."
"Where did you serve? I never asked you."
My gut flips. "Mostly Afghanistan. A little bit in Iraq. A handful of top-secret missions on different continents."
"What was your job?"
I swallow the thick knot in my throat. I don't know why it still affects me. I shoot people all the time for Interpol. But war is different from my current role. "Similar to what I do now. I'm a sniper."
"So, you never miss?"
"No. I don't."
"You're the best person to teach me to kill someone then?"
My heart beats faster. "You still want to know?"
She nods and quietly says, "Yes."
"Zoe, I'll show you how to handle a gun and some self-defense moves, but we're going to talk about the mental piece too. I won't do it without a discussion. If you ever had to implement what I show you, it's best you're prepared."
She lets out a big breath of air. "Okay."
"But you're staying with me, and I'll protect you, orange hair and all."
She smirks. "Funny."
We finish our meal and get back on the road. Several hours later, we get to the border. It's dark and foggy, but the vehicle lights shine on a gate. I use the burner phone Tinker gave me, call the number, say the code, and the gate opens.
"Why do I feel as if we're in a horror movie right now?" Zoe mumbles.
"Blah!" I scream and throw my hands toward her.
She jumps, and I laugh. She smacks my arm. "That is not funny! You almost gave me a heart attack."
"Sorry, I couldn't resist. You should have seen your face."
The gate stops moving, and I pull through and continue on the dirt path. Trees line both sides.
"This is freaking me out. And don't do your scary move right now."
"Aww. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later."
She scoffs. "I think I should cut you off for your behavior."
"You wouldn't last ten minutes."
"Is that what you think?"
"Yep."
"Arrogance will get you nowhere."
"You love all things about me, including my swagger. Admit it."
"Don't be so—"
A bright light shines in the vehicle.
Zoe grabs onto my arm and ducks. "What is that?"
I stop the vehicle. "Stay calm. I'm sure it's only Tinker's friend." My heart pounds. I'm sure it's safe, Tinker warned me about this, but I unlock the safety of my gun and put it on my lap.
The light stays lit, blinding me, but I put my hand over my eyes.
There's a tap on the window, and Zoe screams.
A bald man in military fatigues, with a long beard and dark eyes, stands outside the van. My guess is he's maybe in his sixties.
I roll it down a few inches and hold my gun with my other hand, hiding it, but ready to use it if necessary.
"Omega eighty-nine," I say, which is the code word Tinker gave me.
"Dirk?"
"Yes, sir."
"Roll the window down so I can shake your hand, son."
I roll it down and stick my hand out the window. "You're Mickey?"
"The one and only."
"Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting us pass."
"You pulling over for the night?"
"If you'll allow us, sir."
"No problem. There's a hidden area a few kilometers up that's in the woods. You should be fine back there."
"Perfect. Thank you."
"You served with Tinker?"
"Yes."
"Crazy S.O.B., isn't he?"
"Always knew my back was covered when I was with him."
He snorts. "That you did. Okay. I'll lead the way and show you where you can stay."