Finally Joe was out the door and running hard toward where his husband was still guarding them. "I'm out," he said in a rush. "Booker is out too. We're clear. Meet me at the side door and we'll get to the safe house. Just make sure you have enough of a head start that she can't catch up with us before we're clear."

He knew this had to be killing Nicky. They both had loved Quynh like a sister. At this point he had to have killed her at least six times just to make sure he and Booker were able to be free. Those sorts of hits did not come cheap. Joe's own heart broke with the pain Nicky's had to be holding.

"You did what you had to, maio," he said softer. "I'm sorry. But you saved us. Remember that."