Chapter 9 - The Fuel Fire
I crept out of the woods, using the dark shadows of the parked cargo crates for cover.
David dragged Emma up the metal stairs of the jet, completely ignoring her terrified cries.
I noticed a large aviation fuel truck parked just fifty feet away from the airplane.
The thick rubber hose was still connected to the jet's massive wing tank.
I sprinted toward the truck, my bare feet bleeding on the rough concrete.
I climbed into the unlocked cab and saw the keys dangling from the ignition.
I turned the key, and the heavy diesel engine roared to life with a deafening rumble.
I slammed the truck into gear and wedged the heavy emergency flashlight against the gas pedal.
I leaped out of the moving cab just as the truck accelerated toward the boarding stairs.
The fuel truck slammed violently into the side of the silver jet, ripping the boarding stairs away.
Sparks flew from the grinding metal, instantly igniting the highly flammable aviation fuel pooling on the ground.
A massive wall of bright orange fire erupted between the plane and the hangar.
David dropped Emma onto the tarmac, covering his face from the intense, blistering heat.
I ran through the thick black smoke and scooped my crying daughter into my arms.
I yelled for her to run toward the tall grass where I had hidden her cousin.
David recovered from his shock and pulled a silver pistol from his waistband.
He aimed the weapon directly at my back as I turned to run.
Before he could pull the trigger, three dark SUVs smashed through the chain-link gate of the airstrip.
Heavily armed men in tactical gear swarmed out of the vehicles, raising their assault rifles.
David dropped his weapon and immediately put his hands in the air with a smug smile.
He shouted to the armed men that I was the crazy woman trying to blow up the plane.
The tactical leader pointed his rifle directly at my head instead of David.
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I realized with absolute horror that these were the corrupt local cops Sarah had warned me about.
They cocked their weapons, ready to execute me right there on the tarmac.
