Predator

60

S's finger tightened on the trigger, ready to shoot Danny in a non-lethal spot before throwing him to the hyenas.

But then he heard the sound of a gun being cocked behind him.

Liam, covered in blood, indistinguishable between his and the hyenas', had just escaped the melee. His voice was hoarse, and he pressed his gun to S's vital spot.

"Let them go."

"You betrayed me?"

S's blue eyes narrowed, and after a moment of hesitation, he slowly lowered his gun.

Danny took the chance to flee, narrowly escaping death.

"For a woman?"

Liam didn't respond, tossing the car keys to Amelia.

"Get in the car and get far away."

"Don't come back. I don't want to see you again."

"The game's over. I'm done playing."

Amelia stood frozen, her palm sweaty around the keys.

"Go!" Danny urged in her ear.

"One last test," Liam said, his voice calm. "Do you remember the way to the Grumeti River?"

She did.

That stormy afternoon, Liam had pinned her down, forcing her to memorize the route over and over.

—If you don't remember, there will be punishment.

So what are you doing now?

If you're a bad guy, be bad all the way.

Amelia's voice shook as she shouted at Liam, "You deserve to die! Murderer! Rapist!"

Liam, his back to her, chuckled softly. "Yeah, I do."

Danny pulled her away, pushing her into the passenger seat and flooring the gas pedal.

Not far away, the remaining mercenaries were overwhelmed by the hyenas, the ground painted red with blood.

Amelia looked away and closed her eyes.

—"Can you scream?"

—"Find a chance to kill me, and I'll let you go."

—"If I were you, I wouldn't choose now to act."

And, "Remember to wear shoes when you run."

The scenery of the Grumeti River faded behind her, along with the memories of her captivity. Yet her fingers unconsciously clutched the steel knife in her pocket, the unwanted gift.

It's over, she told herself.