Mike pulled the kids out of the way and slammed the door. He handed them off to Tom. “Cut them loose, leave the gags, blindfolds, and hands tied behind them.”

“We’re not leaving one here?”

“Nope, they’re more useful to us as shields and bargaining chips. I told them that to slow them down.”

“What you got for me?” Al said as he unhooked the mine from the oldest boy’s chest.

“Set up the claymore so they get a big surprise when they open that door.”

Al looked at the tunnel door and then at the door that led out of the office into the hall beyond. “What about that one.”

“Can you set it up to detonate if either one opens?”

Al sucked in a breath and looked at the geometry of the room. “Yeah. It won’t be as effective.”

“And?”

“And,” he smiled. “I love things that go boom.”

“Get on it.”

Next to the desk, Randall, Julia, and Niki waited for him. “Julia.” He looked over Randall’s shoulder and out the window. The helicopter passed by and into the valley.

“So much for the helo.”

They turned and looked.

“Julia, you take the pack. Keep it strapped on, and don’t let it go.”

She put it on, securing the clasp around her chest.

“You and Randall each have kid duty. You’ll both keep physical hold of the back of their shirts at all times. Don’t let them go. When it comes to those kids, they are our way out.” He looked both of them in the eye. “You will do exactly what I tell you when I tell, no matter how disagreeable you may find it.”

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“Hold on,” Randall said in an authoritative voice. “One, I don’t like anyone barking orders at me. I’m a Colonel in the United States Army. Two, I’m not fully cognizant of the Rules Of Engagement here in Afghanistan. But I'm certain holding children as hostages is not an authorized action.”

“ROE?” Every muscle in Mike’s body tensed. He lifted his weapon, ready to butt-stroke the little man. Niki grabbed the back of his shirt and stopped him as Randall stepped back with his palms out.

“I didn’t mean anything by what I said. It’s just...”

Julia interrupted him. “How about jumping on board and joining the team.” She squared up on him. “We don’t have time for your bullshit. Do you want to get out of this alive or stay here and take your chances?”

He backed up another step, his head turning from one pissed-off face to another. “I want to get out of here alive.”

“Good, then stop acting like an ass and help us. If that means taking orders, then smile and ask for more.”

He nodded and dropped his hands.

Behind him, Mike heard talking. He couldn’t hear what Tom and Al said, but they had a good laugh after.

Julia spun around and walked up to Mike. “We’re not going to hurt those kids, are we?” She whispered.

“Not if we can help it. You and Randall grab the kids and meet us by the door.”

She wasn't sure that was the answer she sought, but she accepted it for now.

Niki looked drained. Her anger hadn’t disappeared, but with her injuries, lack of sleep, and the rest of her injuries, she was starting to slow down. She had bags under her eyes, and her mouth hung loosely open.

He put his hand on her good shoulder. “I can’t have anyone carry you from now on. You’re going to have to move on your own.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll make it.”

“Good.” He squeezed her arm. “Join the others.”

“Al?”

“Almost ready. Just need to attach it to the door as we leave.”

Tom pulled the bars back and opened the door. “Clear.”

“Right, let’s go.”

Tom went first out the door into the hallway.

Randall turned back, walking backward as he passed the elevator and pointed.

“No, we’re all bunched up inside if anyone is waiting.”

He mumbled something but kept going.

Tom stopped. “Up or down?”

“Down.”

Al caught up. “Claymores ready.”

“Okay, You’re behind Tom. I’ll take the rear.”

Mike hit the first landing and looked up. He thought he heard something but kept going.

He rounded the next stairwell and went down, sure that he had heard someone above them. They’d got out just in time.