The explosion rammed his ears.
Sarkon jolted forward in his seat.
He turned to his left, and his secretary looked back calmly but confused. “Something wrong? Do you want to pull out? We can still–"
“No." Sarkon gripped the hand resting on his lap into a fist to steady his thumping heart. It's all in your head. It's all in your head. He inhaled deeply and exhaled carefully, he then replied calmly, “My headache's back."
Sanders handed over a small glass bottle. “Here. Just one. Maria's orders."
“Shut up," the handsome giant growled. He shook out an aspirin and popped it into his mouth.
As the pill melted his nerves, Sarkon wiped the cold sweat from his brows as he stared at the horizon. Don't worry, Alfred. Maria's doing well. I'll give her the best she deserves.
*****
"Hey, C
