Chapter 17
Chapter 17 — The Net Tightens Again
Michael, Rita, and Ron's bus to Da Nang is stopped at a military checkpoint where soldiers are showing a photo—likely of Rita. They escape through the emergency exit, run into the paddy and swamp forest, and hide among rocks. Pursuit is distant but certain. The roadblock confirms Loc's reach extends even now. Michael pockets the ledger page and rifle, and they resolve to find another route to the port, knowing the net is tightening.
The bus hummed along the coastal road, its engine a tired lullaby. Rita's head rested against the window, her breathing slow, her hand still loosely tangled with Michael's. Ron sat across the aisle, a newspaper spread across his lap, reading aloud in a low murmur.
"'Loc Tran, believed to be the ringleader, remains at large.'" He tapped the page. "Says here they found enough paperwork to keep a dozen customs agents busy for a year. But no Loc."
"He's still out there," Michael said.
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