Duel

The truck was open with no roof or tarpaulin, just a fence around it. 

We jumped onto the truck bed and immediately crouched down next to the large water barrels. We didn't dare crawl into the barrels right away, fearing we might get bitten by baby crocodiles. Thankfully, the barrels only contained ordinary fish fry, not the aggressive baby crocs.

Screwdriver hid the AK under some old rags and fishing nets, then we both crawled into two empty barrels. These barrels were sold out, so they were completely dry. Despite the fishy smell, it was a place where we could sit and rest.

"Cover yourself, just in case there's aerial surveillance," Screwdriver, with his military background, wisely suggested. He came out briefly to grab some algae-covered fishing nets and threw one over my head. He covered himself similarly.

From above, we'd now look like piles of discarded fishing nets instead of two human heads. We settled down and waited for the driver to come and drive the truck out of the park. This waiting period was the hardest part.

I sat cross-legged in the barrel, pretending to meditate, but my nerves were on edge, ready to react at any moment. My heart was pounding.

Time passed slowly. Soon, we heard the driver saying goodbye to Spanner, followed by footsteps and the sound of barrels being loaded onto the truck. Then the tailgate was slammed shut.

"Take care and drive safely!" Spanner's loud voice was full of energy, as if subtly alerting us that we were about to leave.

The truck started and smoothly headed toward the park gate. My heart was in my throat. Once we got out of the park, we would be safe.

"Stop!" A sudden shout from outside made the driver halt and turn off the engine. 

"Hey man, I'm just delivering some fish fry!" the driver shouted.

"Get down and sign this!" came the reply.

"Sure thing!" The driver got out, and everything went quiet again.

I looked up at the gray sky, holding my breath. Suddenly, there was a loud bang as the tailgate was hit, making my heart race.

"Hey man, there are two big fish left. Just take them as a gift!" The driver's voice reassured me that they were just taking fish, not checking the truck.

The truck started again and soon left the KK park, driving into the dense forest. 

As we approached the bend, I removed the wet fishing net from my head and whistled softly. Screwdriver popped his head out of his barrel, silently asking if it was time to jump.

I nodded, got ready, and jumped out. Screwdriver followed, grabbing the hidden AK-47. When the truck reached the bend, it slowed down, and we jumped off smoothly onto the dirt road.

We were covered in dust and diesel smoke as the truck drove away. We quickly ran into the nearby forest. 

It was already dawn, and the early morning sun illuminated the lush forest. Everything seemed peaceful, though we knew it was a graveyard for many.

"Bugu, bugu," I imitated a cuckoo call, signaling our presence. Soon, we heard rustling from the bushes.

Abu emerged, covered in dew and leaves. "Have you been here all night?" I asked, impressed. I signaled for Screwdriver to come out.

"Yeah, didn't want to miss our meeting," Abu said with a smile, then noticed Screwdriver. "Wait, two of you?"

"Hey, Abu, got any food? I'm starving!" Screwdriver said sheepishly.

"Sure, I brought some canned food and water," Abu replied. He had thought of everything. Without him, I'd have been lost in the forest again.

With Abu and Screwdriver, I felt confident about our escape and the mission to kill Boss Cai. My only worry was that Lulu might be with him, complicating our plans.

"Back in the army, I did a lot of endurance training and survival drills. I'm good at sniping and lurking. You rest, I'll keep watch," Screwdriver said, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Nothing to do now, tell me some stories from your army days. My brother was in the military too, but he had to leave due to an injury," I said, leaning against a tree. The thought of home felt distant.

"Forget it, let's spar a bit. It might give you some inspiration," Screwdriver suggested.

"Sure, Abu, join us!" I said, eager for a distraction.

"No, no, I'll just watch," Abu replied, still wary from seeing me in action before.

"Come on, Abu, it's two against one," Screwdriver insisted, pulling him into the sparring match.

Reluctantly, Abu joined, and we started a friendly practice session in the forest.