After getting off the plane, there was a long wait in the customs line as tired passengers waited nervously to have their passports and visas approved by the customs officers. All the while, Maya felt that eyes were watching her.
When she finally stepped out of the airport, the stifling heat and humidity of Sài Gòn hit her like a gut punch. The scene was chaotic, with crowds of people milling about, horns honking and taxi drivers trying to pick up unknowing passengers at three times the normal rate.
"This way, Maya!" Jack said, grabbing her arm and nearly dragging her to the curb.
Instead of a car, Jack pointed to a bright red motorbike.
"Jump on! And hold tight!" Jack shouted over the noise.
Maya climbed onto the back of the bike. She had to wrap her arms around Jack's waist to stay on. He smelled like expensive soap and old books—a strange combination.
They weaved through the sea of motorbikes. Maya saw the man in the suit run out of the airport, screaming into a radio, but he was soon lost in the traffic.
"Where are we going?" Maya yelled.
"To a safe house in District 1," Jack replied against the rushing air. "I know who you are, Maya. And I know about the Jade Dragon. Your grandfather wasn't just an explorer. He was a hero."
Maya felt a mix of relief and suspicion. "How do you know that?"
"I'll explain everything when we stop," Jack promised.
They drove past colorful markets and tall skyscrapers. But suddenly, two black SUVs appeared behind them. They were driving fast in their attempts to overtake them. One SUV pulled up next to them, and the window rolled down. A hand came out holding a heavy metal chain.
Clang! The chain hit the back of the motorbike, making the wheel wobble.
"Hang on!" Jack barked. He turned the bike sharply into a narrow, crowded alley. It was so thin that the cars couldn't follow, but the SUV driver didn't stop. He drove straight into a fruit stall, sending pineapples flying everywhere.
The bike sped deeper into the maze of the city. Suddenly, Jack slammed on the brakes. The alley ended at a tall brick wall. They were in a dead end.
Maya looked back. The men from the SUV were jumping out of their car, running toward them with grim faces, aiming guns at them.
"Jack, there's no way out!" Maya cried.
Jack looked up at a low balcony above them. "Can you climb, Professor?" he asked with urgency in his voice.