The SUV roared down the road, the helicopter closing in above them. Bullets pinged off the metal frame as the soldiers opened fire, their shots wild but dangerous. Sophia zigzagged, making it harder for them to aim.
The sound of gunfire erupted from behind. Soldiers in the military truck that was closing in on them from behind had opened fire, the bullets pinging off the metal of the SUV. A sharp cry of pain cut through the chaos as Sophia was hit in her right shoulder. She slumped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The SUV swerved heavily and nearly hit the embankment.
"Damn it!" Marcus shouted, his eyes flashing with urgency. "Sophia, can you keep driving?"
Sophia gritted her teeth, her hand clutching her bleeding shoulder. "Not for long."
"Scoot over, I'd take the wheel," Marcus ordered, already moving to switch positions with Sophia.
Marcus scrambled into the driver's seat as Willy pulled Sophia into the back. The SUV swerved dangerously but stayed on course.
"Sophia, we need your skills," Marcus said, his voice calm but firm. "Charlotte, get her the Barrett."
Charlotte reached behind her, grabbing the Barrett M82 sniper rifle. A bullet burst through the rear windshield, whistling past her head with flash splashing into her face, and exited through the front windscreen. The spider-webbed windscreen became difficult to see through as a result. Marcus took off his shirt and wrapped his right fist with it. He then smashed the windscreen with it and pushed it out. A heavy gust of wind rushed into the vehicle immediately.
Charlotte handed the Barrett M82 sniper rifle to Willy who helped Sophia station it, aiming at the truck behind them.
"I need cover," she said, positioning herself with the rifle.
Marcus floored the accelerator, the speedometer hitting the red line. The military truck was still hot on their trail.
Willy and Charlotte needed to give Sophia cover while she arranged her aim. They leaned out the windows and opened fire at the truck. Sophia took a deep breath, her hands steady despite the chaos around her. She aimed through the scope, her target clear.
The first shot rang out, the powerful rifle kicking back against her left shoulder. The bullet sunk into the forehead of driver of the military truck. The truck swerved violently, losing control. It careened off the road, flipping end over end before coming to a halt, a twisted wreck of metal.
"Nice shot," Marcus said, his eyes scanning the road ahead. "But we're not out of the woods yet. That chopper is still on us."
Sophia nodded, her focus shifting to the helicopter hovering above them. She adjusted her aim, the powerful scope bringing the target into sharp relief. The helicopter pilot was moving erratically, making it a difficult shot.
"Steady," she murmured to herself, her breath slow and even.
The second shot echoed, the bullet flying true. It struck the helicopter's pilot in his temple, the chopper lurching wildly as control was lost. It spun out, crashing into the side of a building in a fiery explosion.
"Hell yeah!" Marcus shouted from the driver's seat, his knuckles white on the wheel.
Willy clapped Sophia on the shoulder, a rare smile crossing his face. She grimaced in pain and he eased off in realisation. "Apologies. Excellent work though. Let's get the hell out of here."
With the military truck and helicopter neutralized, Marcus kept the SUV speeding down Gbemisoke Highway, the landscape rushing by in a blur. The tension in the vehicle began to ease slightly.
In the back, Charlotte was already tending to Sophia's wound. She carefully tore open a medical kit, pulling out gauze, antiseptic, and a pressure bandage.
"Hold still," Charlotte instructed, her voice calm and steady despite the situation. "You're lucky the bullet went through."
Sophia winced as Charlotte applied antiseptic to the wound, the sting causing her to clench her teeth. "It's not too bad," she managed, her voice tight with pain. "Just need to stop the bleeding."
Charlotte nodded, her hands moving with precision as she worked on the wound. She placed gauze over the wound and wrapped the bandage around Sophia's shoulder, securing it tightly. "This should hold for now. We'll need to get you proper medical attention once we're across the border."
Sophia nodded, her face pale but determined. "Thanks, Charlotte. I'll manage."
Marcus glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with concern for his team. "Hang in there, Sophia. We're almost there."
The SUV continued to barrel down the highway, the kilometers ticking away as they neared the Modibo border. The morning light was growing stronger, the sky a blend of oranges and pinks as the sun began its ascent.
"Border's up ahead," Willy announced, pointing to a distant checkpoint coming into view. "We need to be ready. They might have patrols even out here."
Marcus nodded, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "Everyone, stay alert. We get through that checkpoint, and we're in Modibo. No stopping until we're clear."
As they approached the border, the checkpoint became more visible, a line of cars and trucks waiting to cross. The border guards were checking vehicles thoroughly, but there didn't appear to be any heightened alert just yet.
Marcus stopped the SUV at the side of the road and they got out, leaving their weapons in the vehicle. Showing up at the checkpoint with an SUV riddled with bullets was like hanging "criminal being chased" on a placard on their necks. They took out their supply bags and they joined the foot traffic queue, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible. Each member of the team remained silent, their senses sharp, ready for any sign of trouble.
"Everyone, if anyone asks, Sophia got hurt in a work accident," Marcus said, his voice low. "Willy, keep an eye on the guards. Any sign of recognition, we move. This is Modibo security, I'm don't expect them to give a shit about why PRK wants us, but who knows?"
They inched forward, the line of people slowly progressing towards the checkpoint. The guards were methodical but not overly suspicious, just doing their routine checks.
Finally, it was their turn. A border guard stood at the checkpoint, clipboard in hand.
"Good morning," the guard said, glancing at Marcus. "Where are you headed?"
"Morning," Marcus replied, keeping his tone casual. "Just passing through to visit family in Modibo."
The guard nodded. "I bet y'all are together." He nodded at Sophia, Willy and Charlotte. Marcus smiled. His eyes lingered on Sophia, who was doing her best to appear relaxed despite her injury. "Is she alright?"
"Yeah, she had a little accident at work," Charlotte said smoothly, flashing a reassuring smile. "We've got her patched up. Just need to get her home to rest."
The guard seemed satisfied, stepping back and waving them through. "Alright, safe travels." He leaned into Marcus. "Anything for your boy?"
Marcus smiled. "Of course." He tacitly took out some cash from his trouser pocket and squeezed them into the guard's hand.
"I know who you are," the guard said smiling. The smile vanished from Marcus's face and he stiffened.
"You're good. Just get out of here before someone who's not me sees y'all."
Marcus nodded, offering a brief smile. "Thank you."
They walked across the checkpoint, the tension in the group lifting slightly as they crossed into Modibo territory.
"We did it," Willy said, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
Sophia held her eyes closed in relief. "We're not out of the woods yet, but that's one hurdle down."