𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ◇ 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐃

Σ

The chaos of the crash was quickly overtaken by tension as Lucas and his men emerged from the crowd, brandishing guns. Jace, Amara, and the rest of Njeri's friends gathered protectively around her and Armando, their expressions a mix of fear and defiance.

Armando's jaw clenched as he positioned himself slightly in front of Njeri, shielding her from Lucas's threatening gaze. His mind raced, calculating their options in this sudden standoff.

"Njeri, you almost died," Elena exclaimed, her voice trembling with shock.

"No shit, Sherlock," Amara retorted, her eyes flashing with anger.

Jace's fists clenched at his sides. "This had to be Lucas. It's just a fun race; why is he taking this shit so personally?"

Zane stepped forward, his voice firm. "For real, we were just trying to have fun."

Lucas sneered, his gun wavering between them. "Shut the fuck up. She's coming with me," he growled, his voice laced with menace.

Njeri stood beside Armando, her heart pounding. She could feel the weight of the gun's threat, but she refused to show fear. "Boi I'm not going anywhere with you," she said defiantly, her voice unwavering.

Lucas's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in his gaze. "You don't have a choice I'm getting paid to bring yo pretty ass. in ," he spat, the gun inching closer.

"Let's not do anything we'll regret," Jace said evenly, his voice steady despite the tension.

"I'm moving in," Rafe declared, his jaw set with resolve.

"Me too," Kelly added, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.

Dorn nodded, his hand resting on his holster. "Armando, keep her safe. We don't know how many more men are on the scene."

Armando met their gaze, his own determination matching theirs. "Stay close," he instructed, his voice low but commanding.

Just then, a group of Lucas's associates emerged from the crowd, their faces twisted with anger. They were clearly intent on retaliation, their hands reaching for concealed weapons.

Without hesitation, Armando stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Njeri. 

Suddenly, the calm was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Bullets whizzed through the air, sending everyone diving for cover. Panic erupted among the partygoers as they scrambled to flee the scene.

Armando instinctively pushed Njeri behind a nearby overturned table, shielding her from the hail of bullets. His mind raced, assessing their options in the midst of the chaos.

"Stay down!" Armando shouted over the gunfire, his voice firm.

Njeri nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. Fear gripped her, but she knew she had to trust Armando. Jace and the rest of Njeri's friends also took cover, ready to defend themselves and each other.

"Any idea where they're shooting from?" Armando shouted to Dorn, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene.

Dorn shook his head, his expression grim. "No clear shot. They're using the crowd as cover."

Rafe cursed under his breath, his jaw clenched with frustration. "We need to flank them."

Kelly nodded, her eyes narrowed in determination. "On it."

Meanwhile, Dorn provided cover fire, keeping the attackers pinned down. His precise shots kept them from advancing, buying precious moments for Kelly and Rafe to maneuver.

Suddenly, Kelly's voice crackled over the comms. "I've got visual. Three o'clock, behind the palm tree."

Armando nodded, his mind racing with a plan. "Cover me," he called out to Dorn.

Without hesitation, Armando moved swiftly from cover to cover, closing in on the gunmen's position. He kept low, his focus unwavering as he approached the palm tree.

The gunmen spotted Armando and opened fire, bullets kicking up sand and debris around him.

Rita's voice crackled over the comms, urgent and commanding. "I'm pulling up in the van. Armando, I need you to get Njeri. Not much time. Everyone else, follow along."

Armando nodded tersely, his focus shifting to Njeri. "Let's go," he said firmly, taking her hand and guiding her toward Rita's approaching van.

Njeri followed Armando, her heart still racing from the intense firefight. She glanced back at her friends, who were still hiding behind a table. 

As they reached the van, Rita swung open the doors, gesturing for them to get inside quickly. "Hurry up," she urged, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of further danger.

Armando helped Njeri into the van, ensuring she was safely inside before climbing in himself.

Inside the van, tension hung thick in the air as they sped away from the chaotic scene. 

Rafe's voice broke through the quiet tension, his tone urgent. "Be ready to drive off really fast. Kelly, Dorn, and I are coming in hot."

Outside the van, the sounds of approaching footsteps echoed in the alleyway. Rafe, Kelly, and Dorn appeared, their movements swift and purposeful. They climbed into the van quickly, closing the doors behind them.

"Go," Rafe urged, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.

Rita wasted no time, shifting the van into gear and accelerating out of the alleyway. The tires squealed against the pavement as they sped away, leaving the danger behind them for now.

"Okay, so what the fuck is going on? Am I being kidnapped?" Njeri demanded, her eyes searching the faces of Armando and the team for answers.

Rita sighed heavily, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "No, Njeri. You're not being kidnapped," she explained carefully. "But you're in danger."

Njeri's brow furrowed in confusion. "Danger? From who? Why?"

Armando took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Tonight wasn't just a random attack. It was targeted," he began, his voice calm but serious. "Someone wants to hurt you."