Another explosion, and his voice over comms is strained. “We did. There was a Hummer running inside. We have…disabled it.”
The target room is just up ahead. Cushions line the walls. Blankets are piled haphazardly in the corner. A low table sits in the center, holding a copy of the Qaran along with a tea pot and several cups. I lift one of the cups to my lips. “Still warm.”
“Raziq’s office is around the next corner,” Griff says. “Go. We’ve got your back.”
A quiet sob stops me before I make it back into the hall. Fuck. It came from the far corner of the room. “Mateen? Kiddo, it’s Nomar.”
Silence. I look to Darius. He nods. I didn’t imagine the sound.
“Firefly?”
The blankets move.
“Cover me.”
Griff aims at the pile, while Darius keeps watch at the door.
“Mateen? It’s okay. You can come out now.” I start pulling the blankets off one at a time, until his black curls peek through. He wriggles free and throws his arms around my waist.
“You came! Maman knew you were alive! She told me so. Did you find her? Uncle Raziq hurt her. I told him I wantedyouto be my uncle, not him.”
The lump in my throat makes it hard to speak. “I want that too, kiddo. Do you know where your mom is? When did you last see her?”
His lower lip wobbles. “I…maybe that way?” He points to the left. “She told me to run and I did, but then some of Uncle’s men came and one of them grabbed me, but I kicked him and he let me go.”
“Good job.” I ruffle his hair. “I’m going to find her. But I need you to go with Griff and Darius.”
“No! I want to stay with you!” he whines.
Over comms, Austin breaks in. “The first floor’s clear. They must have gone up.”
“Up? Why the hell would they do that?” I turn to Mateen. “Is there another way out of here besides by car?”
“One of Uncle’s men said the garage was too dangerous and he should go to the roof and wait for a helicopter.” The kid presses closer to me. “Is Maman with him?”
Leo rushes through the door. “I saw them. Raziq and three of his men. One of them was carrying Lisette. They were headed to the stairs.”
“Mateen,” I kneel in front of the boy and rest my hands on his shoulders. “Go with Griff and Darius. They’ll keep you safe.”
Griff holds out his left hand. “Nomar said you liked robots, right?” he asks. Mateen nods, and Griff uncurls his fingers. “Touch ‘em.”
“Whoa. Areyoua robot?” His wide eyes stare up at Griff like he’s found a new hero. I’m almost jealous.
“Nope. But my arm is titanium. I’ll tell you how it works if you come with me while Nomar gets your mom back.”
Zephyr breaks in over comms. “Another three vehicles just showed up. Shapur’s got his hands full. One of the assholes blew out the tires on the van and you’ve got six men headed for the front door.”
“Fuck.” I meet Mateen’s terrified gaze. “Change of plans. We’reallgoing to get your mom. But you need to stay by Griff’s side no matter what. Okay?”
He nods so hard his curls bounce. “Okay. You won’t let him hurt her again, right?”
“No, Mateen. I won’t.”
* * *
Leo and Austintake the second floor, clearing one room at a time while Darius, Griff, Mateen, and I climb the last flight of stairs. “What’s up here, Mateen?” Griff asks.
He shrugs. “Uncle only brought me up here once. Yesterday. Maman was outside. She was scared.”
