The Exodus Quest

IV

It was pure luck that Khaled saw the man. He just happened to be glancing back when a lightning bolt illuminated the entire plateau, revealing him crouched some thirty paces away, mobile phone in his hand.

The knowledge of how he'd been tricked was both instantaneous and complete. Instead of fear, Khaled felt only a great and visceral rage. He snatched Nasser's AK-47, turned back towards the man. Darkness had fallen once more, he couldn't see a thing, but he sprayed the horizon all the same, hoping providence was with him.

'What is it, sir?' asked Nasser.

'Company.'

Lightning shuddered again, revealing the man crawling on his belly like the snake he was. 'There!' he yelled, firing another burst. 'Get him.'