I stood up and banged my fist on the concession stand’s sheet metal sign, while bellowing into the darkness at the top of my lungs, Tarzan-style, “Aaaauuuuuugggggghhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaa!”
“What the hell was that?” the first Russian shouted and I took off for the parking lot. Now that I’d alerted the bad guys to my presence, I had to get the hell out of there fast. Once reunited with my cell phone, and safely on the road, I could call 911, then Aero.
“Over here,” I heard one of the Russians shout from behind. I couldn’t tell exactly where he was, but he sounded closer than I’d like. My lungs burned and adrenaline coursed through my veins as I sprinted through the darkness toward the north gate. My magnetic key card would get me through the gate which would then lock behind me, trapping whoever was on my tail inside the zoo, giving me enough time to reach my car.
“It’s a woman. I can see her now! She’s almost at the exit!” I heard the Russian yell as I neared the gate. A shot rang out and I screamed. I had no idea how they’d gained on me so quickly. I knew this place like the back of my had but could barely see where I was going in the darkness.
Finally reaching the security door, I pulled out my key card and I waved it wildly in front of the sensor until it buzzed and flashed green. I threw myself through the door and slammed it shut just as one of my pursuers reached the gate. Now, under light, I could see he was wearing what looked to me like night vision goggles. Explaining how he was able to spot me so easily. He slammed into the door of the high iron gate, yanking on the handle wildly to get out, but I paused for a moment to keep from passing out. I knew as long as they were on the other side of the gate, I was safe as the nearest unkeyed exit was a ten-minute jog away.
“You...need...a card to...get out,” I said, catching my breath just as the second man joined the first.
“You mean, like this one,” he said, smiling while holding up Joe Zapowski’s card.
“Shit,” I said and took off running again.
I heard the buzz of the security lock, followed by footsteps closing in on me fast. Rounding the row of hedges obscuring the north gate entrance, I sprinted for the platinum parking lot. After a few seconds, I could see my car, just where I’d parked it. Standing next to my car, however, was someone I hadn’t expected.
Aero.
Out of breath and scared shitless, I struggled to call out as I ran to him.
“Did I hear a gunshot?” he growled.
“Yes!”
“Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked as I threw myself into his arms. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”
My lungs contracted and I was unable to speak as I struggled for air. No matter. My pursuers would get Aero up to speed soon enough.
The two men approached, both carrying guns. Aero stepped in front of me before reaching into his waistband and producing a pistol of his own. I hated guns with a passion but had never been happier to see one in my life.
“Holy shit, Yuri. Look it’s one of our Primal Howler friends,” the first man said to the second as they approached, seemingly unphased by Aero or his weapon.
“Who the fuck are you?” Aero growled, leveling the gun at the two men.
“It’s okay. It’s us. Sasha and Yuri Bulykin,” the first man replied with a relaxed smile. “I’m afraid you’ve caught us in the middle of work. This is no problem. Give us the woman and we can finish up,” he said, motioning to me.
“If you wanther, we have a big fucking problem,” Aero said.
Sasha’s smile turned sinister. “Once again, the Primal Howlers’ stand in the way of my family’s business.”
“I don’t care what the fuck business you’re into and I’m not here for my club. I’m here tonight for personal reasons, so unless you want things to get a whole lotmorepersonal, I suggest you turn around, leave this woman alone, and walk the fuck away.”
Sasha laughed. “It’s two against one, my friend.”
“I swear to God, I’ll shoot you both dead before you get a single shot off,” Aero replied.
“Coming at us would be an even bigger mistake than the one you are currently making, my friend.”
“I’m not your fucking friend and I’m not handing over the lady. I’ll say it one last time. Whatever business you have here tonight is done. Go the fuck home.”
“My brother and I would love nothing more, but we answer to the Beast and our boss would kill us if she knew we left a witness alive.”
“One witness? What about me? You’re not gonna kill me too?”
“I’d prefer not to. Daphne has plans for your club and I’d hate to spoil her fun.”
“I thought you boys were in prison,” Aero said.
