Chapter 216: The Trap is Set, Waiting for the Prey

After finishing his discussion with the Mi-24 helicopter pilot, William was eager to try another flight when Barney's voice came through the radio clipped to his belt, "Boss, I think you should come over and take a look. We've spotted someone trying to contact Solomon."

"Hmm," William muttered, knowing this was likely the person they had been expecting. He apologized to the pilot, asking him to check the helicopter's status while he dealt with some business, and then headed to the room used by Barney and the others. As soon as he entered, Barney handed him a helmet.

Putting on the helmet and activating the video and audio, William heard a somewhat anxious voice saying, "Hey, Solomon, remember me? We met two days ago."

"Sorry, sir, please step aside. I'm working," Solomon replied, hands full with luggage and other items, barely acknowledging the man.

"I'll help you, Solomon," the man offered, taking the bags from under Solomon's arms. "I'm Danny Archer. I can help you sell the diamonds. How about we split it fifty-fifty?"

"Sorry, Mr. Archer, I don't know what you're talking about. If I had diamonds, do you think I'd still be working here as a porter?"

"Come on, you must be thinking about selling the diamonds yourself, right? But I need to remind you, Solomon, selling diamonds isn't as easy as you think. Do you know where to find safe buyers? Do you know the market price for diamonds? No, you don't. You might sell something worth $100 for $1. But I'm different; I've been in this business for seven or eight years. I know the buyers, I know the market, and most importantly, with me, you don't have to worry about getting ripped off."

Solomon internally scoffed at Archer's spiel, knowing he was just trying to get information out of him, possibly even considering killing him once he got what he wanted. Ignoring Archer, Solomon walked into the luggage storage room.

To avoid being overheard by other hotel staff, Solomon put down the luggage and walked out through a side door.

Archer, frustrated by Solomon's reluctance, heard the sound of gunfire, "rat-a-tat-tat," in the distance. Panicked, he followed Solomon outside, shouting, "Listen, Solomon, the rebels are already in the city. You need to understand, if they catch you, you're a dead man. But I'm different; I got you out of jail, and I can help you find your family."

Hearing this, Solomon turned sharply to face Archer, "You can find my family?"

"Of course," Archer said with a broad smile, seizing the opportunity. "Look at you and look at me. I'm white; I know a lot of white people. With money, they can help you find your family. So let's find the diamonds first."

"Do you think I'm stupid? If I tell you, you might kill me," Solomon retorted, speaking softly but firmly.

Just as Solomon turned to leave, Christmas's voice came through his earpiece, "Solomon, move now! Rebels are behind you."

Seeing Solomon suddenly look back, Archer glanced behind him, spotting rebel trucks approaching. He turned and ran, shouting, "Run, the rebels are here! We'll talk outside the city."

Delighted by this turn of events, Archer quickly followed Solomon, fleeing northwards from the city under Christmas's guidance, avoiding conflict zones.

Once safe, Solomon, not waiting for Archer to question how he knew the way, said, "If you can help me find my family, I'll take you to the diamonds. Do we have a deal?"

"Of course," Archer agreed without hesitation. After a moment's thought, he added, "Let's go to Lungi. Once there, I can make calls to find your family."

Three days later, Archer, Solomon, and a female journalist, navigating through the treacherous conflict zones, arrived in Kono, the city closest to Solomon's home.

Archer, whose heart wasn't entirely dark, rushed to Kono Airport to seek help from General Jetfrobey for an injured priest. However, after securing help, he slipped out of the airport with Solomon, heading towards the mine.

Christmas, following Solomon from a distance, immediately relayed this information to William. Meanwhile, Antonov, who had arrived in Kono two days earlier with the Polar Bear Squad, continued to monitor Jetfrobey's forces from a hidden location near the airport. Their task was to seize control of the airport once Jetfrobey's men left, preventing them from providing reinforcements.

Upon receiving this news, William instructed Yuri Orlov to have his hired forces begin taking over the mine. He specifically ordered them not to harm the miners and children, leaving the rest to their discretion.

With 2,000 men armed with AK-47s against a mere 100 defenders, the mine was quickly and quietly secured. The armed defenders, realizing their predicament and after being offered terms of surrender, quickly laid down their arms.

300 men were left pretending to be miners and overseers at the mine, while the remaining forces withdrew two kilometers back, hiding in the forest and valleys, waiting for Jetfrobey's men.

Solomon and Archer arrived at the mine a day later. Using binoculars, Archer observed the site, swearing under his breath at the sight of over 200 armed guards. There was no way he and Solomon could sneak in and steal the diamonds with so many guards around. Frustrated and unable to find a way around the defenses, Archer reluctantly called Jetfrobey for help.

Solomon, meanwhile, was stunned to see twice as many people at the mine as when he had escaped, and noticed new defensive structures that had not been there before.

Taking advantage of Archer's distraction, Solomon carefully observed the scene with binoculars. He noted that the overseers and miners he knew were absent and that the entire mine seemed to have undergone a complete change in personnel. Even the leader, who usually sat in front of the high house, had been replaced. Strange wooden crates had appeared around the miners, making the whole place feel eerie to Solomon.

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