Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
I read them out, “Hello, family. I wish I had more time for words, but I do not. Russia has made you a target, and I believe I am the only man to move it away.”
What is he doing?
Tears left his eyes. He began to speak again.
I read the rest of the lines. “For you my family, I will go to face the enemy. Unfortunately, I will not return. Please, do not shed a tear for this is a sacrifice that I am willing to take for my people. I love you, Nigeria.”
The video ended.
“Fela plans to go down in history as some martyr or great hero.” Kaz gave the phone back to David. “What he did not say is that the nuke was targeting Nigeria because of his antics.”
David and Kaz went back in forth in conversation.
But, all I could think of was how Fela had at least chosen the day of his death and the reason he would die. Although a narcissistic puppet master, that had to count for something.
I couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and resentment. He had made a decision that could have been selfish, yet it was also brave.
Could I ever do the same?
I wasn't sure if I could openly volunteer for death.
My life had taught me to protect myself and take lives, not to give up my own, and yet the thought of leaving this world on my own terms felt strangely appealing.
What has been going through Fela's head all day? Is he wondering about what happens after death?
The rest of the helicopter ride continued in silence.
Kaz kept me close to him. His body remained against mine, not allowing one inch of space between us. I feared he would not let me go when we arrived.
The closer we got to the beach, the more scenarios began to spin in my mind, emerging from the darkness one after the other like a projector from hell—a nightmarish slideshow. There were so many unspeakable thoughts and awful possibilities, and they crashed in waves of fear and dread like a tsunami of terror.
No. Stop it. Fela dies today and we get out of Italy. That's what Baba said. I will hold on to that and think of nothing else.
Soon I could see that the helicopter was lowering, preparing to land.
Trembling, I gazed out of the window.
Not a bad place. . .to pick to die.
San Nicola Arcella Beach was a mesmerizing sight with its brilliant blue waves and gray sand. Every flash of sunlight on the water seemed to sparkle like a billion diamonds.
The sky was alive with birds, diving low over the sea.
As we descended closer to the beach, it felt like time had stopped and we were in an otherworldly paradise.
My stomach knotted with fear as I spotted Fela alone and off by the shore. He wore a yellow suit highlighted by a stark black shirt and jet-black shoes. His hands were folded behind him while his gaze fell on the crashing waves.
A small wooden table was on his right. A closed silver briefcase lay on top.
Kaz leaned forward. “Was the briefcase checked?”
“Yes.” David nodded. “There was only one file inside of it with tons of papers. The interior lining was ripped out just in case he had something hidden in it, but nothing was found.”
“What was on the papers?” I asked.
“The men could not read the words because they were in English.”
What do you have planned, Fela?
Sighing, I continued to scan the area.
Several feet behind Fela, over sixty armed Brotherhood monitored him.
I saw the cove on the right, nestled within brown cliffs and thick clusters of green bushes. Kaz had told me that Jean-Pierre and his men hid in there, waiting to protect me.
Further out in the beach's parking lot, Harlem Crew stood in a long line, gripping Ak-47s.
This is going to work.
The helicopter landed and the roar of the engine quieted, but panic rushed through my veins.
It will be okay. He's without his men. I have an army with me. It will be fine.
The sound of my heart throbbed in my ears.
Kaz let go of me and rose to his feet.
I stood on shaky knees and felt them quiver.
King David rushed and slid the door open.
Kaz had my hand in his as he guided us out of the helicopter. “You can still back out of the deal and—”
“No, Kaz. This ends today.”
We left the helicopter.
Blue followed us out.
I tried to let go of Kaz's hand.
He maintained a firm grip and gazed at me. “Mysh. . .”
“We outnumber him.”
“It only takes one stray bullet.”
I blinked. “Kaz, I can do this.”
He looked me over. “Where is your gun?”
“I'm going to use one of Blue's pieces.”
Blue got to my side and handed me a solid blue gun that sparkled in the sunlight.
I took it and showed him. “See.”