Chapter 4

Ethan tried to project calm, though a muscle twitched in his jaw.

"Alright, everyone, let's not panic. I still have connections. We'll figure something out."

But the other aid workers were no longer looking to him. Their gazes, now a mixture of fear and dawning respect, were on Evie.

"Evie," Dr. Peterson said quietly, "is there anything... your father...?"

Evie let the silence stretch for a moment, watching the despair deepen on their faces.

Then, she gave a small, reassuring nod.

"My father is already making arrangements. He's chartering a private plane. It will take a few hours, but it will get us out."

A collective sigh of relief went through the small group.

"Oh, thank God, Evie," Nurse Ramirez whispered, her earlier anger replaced by gratitude.

The next few hours were tense. They found relative shelter in a damaged airport terminal building, the sounds of distant gunfire a constant reminder of their precarious position. Krystal huddled in a corner, occasionally sniffing, while Ethan paced, making useless calls. The other aid workers stayed close to Evie, their earlier doubts gone.

As dusk began to settle, the distinct sound of jet engines approached.

Not the heavy thrum of a military transport, but the smoother, higher pitch of a private aircraft.

A sleek, dark-blue Gulfstream with discreet markings landed smoothly on an auxiliary runway, taxiing towards a private hangar they' d managed to reach on foot, guided by instructions from Evie's father.

The doors opened, and a pilot in a crisp uniform motioned them forward.

"Dr. Reed? Your father sent me. We need to board quickly."

The aid workers surged forward, their faces etched with relief.

"Evie, thank you," Dr. Peterson said, his voice thick with emotion. "We misjudged... we're sorry."

"We owe you everything," another added.

Ethan, ever the opportunist, quickly recovered his composure. He stepped forward, putting an arm around Krystal' s shoulders.

"Come on, Krys, darling. Let's get you on board first." He smiled magnanimously, as if he'd arranged it all.