Chapter Thirty-One: The Second Escape Plan

After Aboud successfully evaded the guards, he wandered through the airport corridors, searching for a safe spot. The place was crowded, with people moving in all directions, but Aboud’s focus was laser-sharp. He knew the guards would soon realize his absence, so he had to act quickly.

He found a neglected corner behind a small storage room for equipment and slipped inside quietly, closing the door behind him with care. He sat for a few moments to catch his breath, keeping an eye on the movement outside through a small window.

Aboud (whispering to himself):
"This is my only chance... there’s no room for mistakes."

Through the window, Aboud noticed a cleaning worker heading toward the storage room to check on his supplies. This was the key to his plan. He waited until the worker entered the room and began gathering his tools. Aboud then crept up behind him silently.

In a swift motion, Aboud grabbed the worker and knocked him to the ground, rendering him unconscious for a few minutes.

Aboud (softly, after subduing him):
"Sorry, but I have no other choice."

He quickly changed into the worker’s clothes, pulling the cap low over his face to hide as much of it as possible. He grabbed the cleaning cart and began to move like any other janitor.

Aboud pushed the cleaning cart slowly out of the storage room, his eyes scanning the area from under his cap, pretending to clean the floors. The guards were busy and paid no attention to the janitor moving toward the staff hallway.

Aboud (feeling inner confidence):
"No one suspects a cleaner... this is the key to success."

As he approached the staff-only corridor, Aboud was suddenly stopped by one of the guards. The guard seemed somewhat suspicious.

Guard (speaking in Turkish):
"Hey! Wait a second. You look a bit familiar. Are you new here?"

Aboud’s heart raced, but he kept his composure. Fortunately, he had learned some basic Turkish during his time in Turkey.

Aboud (in Turkish, calmly):
"Yes, I’m new. I was transferred today from maintenance to cleaning. Is there something I can help you with?"

The guard looked at him for a moment, trying to gauge his honesty, then said:

Guard (smiling slightly):
"All right, I thought I’d seen you before. Carry on with your work."

Aboud (smiling slightly):
"I will, thanks."

Aboud continued pushing the cleaning cart, suppressing a grin. He had just survived this encounter thanks to his quick thinking and ability to speak Turkish. The guard had no idea that this disguised cleaner was actually a fugitive.

Once Aboud reached the staff area, he found a small door marked "Employees Only." This door would lead him to the back corridors. He opened it slowly and entered, finding himself in a narrow, dimly lit hallway. But he knew these back routes could lead him to freedom.

He continued walking slowly down the hallway, using the cleaning cart as cover. He passed by several doors and avoided making direct eye contact with any security cameras that might be in place.

Occasionally, he heard voices coming from other corridors, but he managed to steer clear of any further confrontations. As he pressed on, he could feel himself getting closer to his goal.

When Aboud finally reached the end of the hallway, he found a door leading outside. Night had fallen, which reassured him, knowing he would be less visible in the darkness.

He cautiously opened the door and stepped out into the open air. The cold wind hit his face, but he felt a freedom he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Now, he had to move quickly before the guards realized he had escaped.

Aboud (internally, with determination):
"Now... I’m free."

He began walking away from the airport with steady steps, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. He knew this was only the first step toward his freedom, but he also realized the coming days would be filled with challenges.