The convoy sped up, finally leaving the mountain region before dark.
When we reached Kabul, I was barely conscious.
"Boss, you need rest," Nick said. "You look like hell."
"No need," I said. "Back to America."
"But your hands..."
My mangled hands had lost several fingernails completely.
"Deal with it on the plane."
"Boss—"
"Leave now."
Nick sighed helplessly. "Yes, boss."
During the flight, exhaustion, altitude sickness, and infection finally knocked me out. The last thing I heard in the darkness was Nick's panicked shouting.
When I came to, the smell of hospital disinfectant hit me.
"You were out for two days." Nick was keeping watch by the bed.
"Where's the lazurite?" I struggled to sit up.
"Right here." He quickly handed over the wooden box. "Boss, lie back down, the doctor wants you under observation..."
"No." I threw off the covers. "I'm going to see Noelle."
"Boss!"
"Pull out these tubes."
"But—"
"Now."
Knowing how stubborn I was, Nick complied.
"At least let me bandage your wounds..."
"You can do it on the plane."
We landed in Washington, then drove straight to Niaube.
"Boss, you sure you don't need more rest?" Nick looked at me worriedly. "You look terrible..."
"I'm fine."
The car finally entered the small town.
"Stop here," I said.
"Yes."
I pushed open the door and got out with the box.
