Hours later, exhausted and battered, I emerged onto a dirt road. It led to a small settlement where I managed to find help. My appearance must have been shocking, but cash can be very persuasive. I arranged for a ride back to the city, where I could regroup and plan my next move.

When I finally arrived at the hotel where we were staying, I bypassed the front desk and headed straight to the room, dripping water and mud across the polished floor. It was there, in the quiet confines of the suite, that I sat and waited. A fire blazed within me, fueled by the betrayal but also by the thrill of turning the tables.