Excerpts from Running

“Do not lose your head over all those books. There is a high chance that we won’t be able to stay here for more than a week, maybe not even a few days.” Said Samuel. “You probably won’t be able to look at many of the books so you are going to have to choose carefully.”

“Don’t be such a spoil sport” said Maya, pulling away from him.

“You do know I’m right, don’t you?”

“Maybe it would have been better if I had stayed with my parents.” She said hotly

“You really think that?” said Samuel, raising an eyebrow, trying not to show how much those words hurt him.

Maya shook her head, sensing he was upset. She smiled before hugging him and kissing him on his forehead.

“I didn’t mean that, I’m sorry. I’d rather be with you than any where else in the world” she told him, and it was true. “It’s just I would love to stay with the books.”

They remained together for quite a while, wrapped tightly together.

[...]

They left the airport and got in a waiting cab that was driven by member of a South American gang. Halfway to the rendezvous while they were driving through a patch of jungle, three Jeeps caught up with them. One pulled in front while the other two were at the side and back. Ten men with machine guns jumped out of the Jeeps and started shooting at the taxi. Just in time, Samuel pulled Maya to the floor of the taxi; Jules and Clemence both pulled out guns but they were too late: they were both shot, along with the driver. The gunshots stopped and Samuel could hear boots approaching the car. A man shouted something in German, mentioning the police and 8 of the men as well as two of the Jeeps drove off. The remaining two men came to the taxi and started pouring gasoline over it. Seeing that they were about to set the car alight, Samuel took Jules’ gun and shot the closest man before turning his gun on the remaining one. The man lifted his gun but Samuel was too quick. As the man crumpled, Samuel pulled Maya out of the car with him. Before leaving he took Jules’ phone and gun as well as all their gear and luggage. After making sure he hadn’t forgotten anything he lit a match, retreated a few steps and then threw it on the car. The fire quickly spread and as Samuel and Maya turned a corner further up the street they heard the car explode.

“What did you just do, Samuel?” asked Maya, shocked.

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