You two,” Remi heard Makao call out. “Get the gasoline.”
Hoping the man was bluffing, Remi remained where she was between the two hampers, until she heard a sobbed whisper from the right. “I’m scared.”
“Shhh,” came a second voice to her left.
Relief swept through her. “Amal?”
“Yes.”
“Thank goodness. How many?” Remi asked.
“Five of us. I … I had one of my spells. The girls heard the gunshot and were afraid to leave the dorm.”
“They’re safe.”
“What if they burn—”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Remi stood, peering out far enough to see two men walk past the open doorway. When she saw their gasoline cans, she realized she had no choice but to give herself up. “Don’t come out unless I tell you.”
Holstering her gun in the hidden panel of her pack, she shoved it against the wall and dropped a couple of towels over it. She stepped from the bathroom and quietly crossed the dorm, her hands raised above her shoulders as she walked out the door. She counted eight men, each armed with a pistol at the hip and an AK-47, the majority of which were aimed at the various doors of the buildings.
“I’m unarmed,” she said as they turned, aiming at her.
That the men didn’t fire the moment they saw her gave her some hope that they were under orders to take everyone alive.
Which meant they weren’t terrorists bent on killing girls who were being educated.
That did not, however, rule out terrorists bent on kidnapping girls who were being educated.
One of them patted her waist, looking for a holster. “Nothing.”
Scarface held her gaze, then looked past her through the doorway. “What’s your name?”
“Remi,” she said. “Remi Fargo.”
“Where is everyone, Remi Fargo?”
“I’m alone.”
“Then you won’t care if we burn down each building? Starting with this one?”
Remi said nothing, still hoping he was bluffing. He flicked his head. The two men holding the gasoline cans started splashing fuel on the wainscot at opposite corners of the dorm.
“Stop,” she said.
Makao’s smile turned triumphant. “Call them.”
“They’re just children. No need for guns.”
He studied her for a moment, then said something in another language, one she didn’t understand. They lowered their weapons. He pointed his gun at her. “If anything happens, you’ll be the first to die.”
She nodded and moved away from the door, drawing his aim toward her and away from the girls. “Amal,” she called. “Bring the girls out. Keep your hands up and they won’t shoot.”
The massive hampers creaked as the girls climbed out. A moment later, Amal led them to the threshold, hesitating at the sight of the armed men.
“Over here,” Remi said, holding out her hand. They refused to move. The looks on their faces broke her heart.
This was supposed to be their safe haven.