The Swords of Babylon

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

Kinimaka paused as the back of his enemy came into view. The man sported a buzz cut, a padded jacket and cargo pants. He clutched a rifle, aimed low, and carried several other weapons thrust into a utility belt around his waist. He was staring at a black wristwatch as Kinimaka pushed gently at the door.

He saw Hayden step out across the other side of the concourse opposite him, separated by hundreds of yards and four well-armed killers. She pointed her gun and yelled. Kinimaka gave it a second and then did likewise, hoping to cause confusion.

But these men were trained. The one nearest Hayden lifted his gun arm calmly, taking aim. The one closest to Kinimaka turned carefully, bringing his weapon around.

“Stop!” Kinimaka cried.

The gunman suddenly swiveled hard and fired, catching the Hawaiian off guard. Chunks of green and white signage erupted from a nearby wall. Kinimaka returned fire instantly, dropping the shooter where he crouched. His body shuddered and jolted back into his partner, knocking the man’s weapon from his hand, but also making Hayden’s shot go wide. The man went for a side holster. Hayden didn’t miss the second time.

That leaves two. If he advanced here he would be totally exposed. Quickly Kinimaka ducked back inside the shop and sprinted through to the front. The barista squealed again, but at least had the good sense to cover her mouth. Kinimaka came around the front, just as one of the shooters advanced into the main concourse, rifle packed firmly into his shoulder. The Hawaiian could only duck and roll as the man opened fire.

He slid across the gleaming floor, stopping against a carpet. Rounds traced his movements, loud in the otherwise heavy silence. Something nicked the heel of his boot. He scrambled behind an abandoned airport electric vehicle, feeling ridiculously huge huddled behind it. Bullets smashed into it, spinning it one hundred and eighty degrees, actually opening up a firing line for Kinimaka as his opponent concentrated on blasting apart the vehicle.

Half a second, two shots, and the fourth assailant collapsed with two holes in the center of his skull. Kinimaka kissed his fingers and pressed them against the shattered side of the little buggy.

Thank you.

Now guards and cops hurtled down the concourse, shouting and screaming into radios. Kinimaka waved at them to slow down. There was still one more gunman. They didn’t slow. The Hawaiian cursed, feeling the huge pressure of losing so much precious time on their journey to the Diamond Head tomb, and the crushing responsibility of trying to save these men’s lives bearing down on him. He couldn’t see the last man.

And where was Hayden?

Praying that his luck held, he dug out his cell and hit her number. The call was answered immediately.

“I’m inside the shop, near the front.”

Kinimaka squinted. He could see her shape now as she peered through the open door. “Any idea where our last man went?”

“I have a good idea,” Hayden sputtered. “Asshole’s gone to ground, playing for time. This is for us, Mano. A delaying tactic.”

“Some freaking tactic.”

“Yeah. Look, tell those cops we have to get outta here. They’ll have to handle the mole.”

Kinimaka hesitated. “Are you sure?” He hated leaving anyone in harm’s way.

“I have to be. World’s safety’s at stake. Whoever seized that tomb ain’t just gonna wait until we get there.”

Kinimaka waved one of the cops forward and explained the situation. The man conferred for a second, then pointed further down the concourse, near the wing that led to the Ewa concourse, past a huge red Avis sign. ‘Exit’.

Kinimaka berated himself. He should have known that. “I’ll join you,” he told Hayden and pressed the red button. Pausing only to check his Glock for ammo, he ran hard toward Hayden, a juggernaut of solid flesh and muscle, all six senses firmly concentrated on his surroundings. One click, one shuffle, and he would hit the floor.

But nothing happened. Their quarry had to be well-hidden by now, probably expecting them to shut the airport down. But the SPEAR team had precedence here, and their mission was even more important than an offensive against Hawaii’s largest airport.

Hayden looked to the skies as they burst out through the doors. “Goddamn, I hope we’re not too late.”