Coffee, Gunfire and an Elevator
Suddenly, Ali heard a loud thud and pieces of wood flew out from the wall right beside where he hid. He looked at the wall and saw a bullet hole. His reflexes kicked in and he quickly dove for cover in the closet, and then looked back through the door. Ali saw a woman fall to the floor about ten feet from where he hid, blood flowing steadily from her upper chest.
Suddenly, the bomb began to beep. Hearing this, Ali rushed out of his hiding place, lifted the woman up, and threw her into the closet.
Omar aimed his pistol at Ali. Seeing this, Kelly grabbed a coffee pot that sat on the table and threw it at Omar. Hot coffee splashed across his face. “Arrgggggg!” cried Omar, dropping his gun and bringing his hands to his face. “You vile bitch! I’ll kill you!”
Omar’s men continued firing all around the room. A bullet hit Ali in the upper left arm. He let out a cry and spun around, beginning to return fire at Omar and his men. Mohammed had been able to get a hold of Kelly and they both grabbed Ali and moved him toward the door. Ali allowed them to guide him toward the exit, walking backwards as he continued to face Omar and his men and continued to return fire.
As people raced in all directions, Kelly, Ali, and Mohammed managed to reach the hallway. They sprinted toward the elevator.
The bomb started to beep louder and faster. Omar threw a device against the window. The sound of the glass shattering filled the room and the concussion of a loud explosion followed.
Kelly, Mohammed, and Ali reached the elevator. Kelly pushed the button desperately. In a few seconds, the door opened and the trio hurried inside.
Mohammed looked at Kelly and said, “I must say, Kelly, you certainly give the most interesting kinds of meetings. I don’t think I would appreciate any more of such meetings.”
The three of them exchanged looks which conveyed bewilderment and relief. They were short for words—Ali inclusive.