further rocket fire. But none came – maybe the Hind couldn’t get a lock amongst all the buildings—
That hope was shattered a moment later, along with a chunk of the Commando’s armour, as a stream of 12.7mm cannon fire hammered the vehicle’s rear. Nina screamed and dived away from the damaged hatch as metal fragments spat into the cabin. More scabs of steel peppered the APC’s occupants, dents appearing in the roof as round after round slammed down.
If any came through the open parapet . . .
Eddie turned sharply at a corner, not going round the building on it, but through it. The V-100 demolished the shop’s frontage, scattering shelves and shoes before bursting out of the other side.
Above, Stikes saw the armoured car’s destructive shortcut. ‘Must be Chase driving,’ he said. ‘Gurov, follow them.’
Despite the danger, Mac looked up through the parapet to find the new threat. The Hind roared into sight. ‘He’s coming!’
Eddie sent the V-100 lurching across the street as the gunship opened fire again. Everyone had retreated from the rear hatch, and with good reason: the buckled door juddered violently as more bullets struck it – then with a piercing screech and a spray of sparks it ripped loose and clanged along the road behind them.
The onslaught continued, weaving along the hull towards the open parapet—
A wall dead ahead. Eddie didn’t brake – instead he drove the APC straight into it.
Mac ducked as more debris and clouds of plaster dust showered through the open roof. Outside, the orange glow of sodium streetlights was replaced by the off-white of fluorescent tubes as the V-100 ploughed through an office. Desks were crushed under the APC’s wheels, a couple of late workers who had stayed inside when the violence started running for cover.
He saw an exterior door in the far wall and aimed for it. Another huge crash, and they were back in the night air, the wind quickly sweeping the whirling dust out through the gaping rear hatch.
Mac irritably tried to brush himself down. ‘Another suit ruined. I should start charging you for my expenses.’
‘We’ll pay for the dry-cleaning,’ said Eddie. He recognised a skyscraper ahead as being close to their hotel – and the television station. ‘We’re not far off. Get ready to run when we get there.’
‘If we get there,’ Nina said. The Hind came back into view, descending towards them. ‘The chopper’s coming!’
Eddie turned into the first street he came to, the V-100 demolishing a payphone as it rode over the corner of the sidewalk. They were out of the Hind’s sight, but that wouldn’t last long. Ahead was a wider, tree-lined boulevard – with people running in both directions, some trying to escape whatever was happening further along the avenue, others angrily racing towards it. Some jeered at the armoured car as it rumbled towards them.
More quickly joined in. ‘Shit, they’re not moving!’ Eddie gasped. The crowd was forming a human blockade, trying to stop the military vehicle from reaching the main road. He braked, knowing he could hardly mow them down – but also that the gunship was closing with every second.
He looked at Suarez. ‘Macy, tell el Presidente to get his arse up in the turret!’
‘What?’ said Macy, confused.
‘If he wants to make a speech to his people, now’s the time - they’re blocking the way!’ Stones clattered off the APC’s prow.
‘Let’s just hope they’re all on his side,’ said Kit as Macy hurriedly passed on Eddie’s instructions.
Still clutching his bloodied arm, Suarez stood. ‘I talk to them,’ he said.
Over the crowd’s shouts and the clonks of thrown stones, Nina heard the Hind’s rotor thrum. ‘He’d better make it a really short speech!’
A couple more rocks clanged from the parapet as Suarez emerged – then the barrage abruptly stopped. Even dishevelled and covered in dust, he was still one of the most recognisable people in the country. His name quickly spread through the crowd, first in shock and disbelief, then excitement.
Macy translating for the benefit of the armoured car’s occupants, Suarez’s well-practised orator’s voice boomed over the V-100’s idling rumble. ‘People of Venezuela, my friends! Yes, it is I, your president!’ He paused to take in the cheers – and a couple of boos, which were quickly silenced by kicks and punches. ‘Earlier tonight, I was kidnapped by traitors and murderers, who want to take power for themselves. But I escaped! I am free, I am here, and I need your help to fight back!’