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The work is fresh, interesting, and challenging – and I admit, by the time the tent comes together, my little heart is humming with joy.

“Looks good,” Shayne says, looking around with her hands on her hips. “Neat, efficient. I think we’re going to do a lot of good here.”

“I hope so,” I say, smiling as I lean against her, pleased to have my oldest friend by my side.

“Hey, did you guys see what the psych students have set up?” Grace calls, peeking in from the front of the tent and waving to us. Shayne and I glance at each other, confirming that neither of us has, and then we rush along after Grace to see.

“Oh!” I say, bursting into a smile when I take in the smaller tent set aside for the consultations that the therapists will be having with our patients. But my eyes move primarily over the much more interesting collection of little fire pits and relaxation areas they’ve created with some camping chairs and strategically placed rocks that they’ve rolled over to sit on.

“Yeah, I’ve been talking to them,” Grace says, crossing her arms and grinning as she looks around. “They told me that theywanted to create a space in which these people could actually relax and think about their wants and needs – not so clinical. I think it’s brilliant.”

“Is it not too spread out?” I ask, looking around at the way the seating areas spread through the valley area and even beyond. “Will they be safe?”

After all, this location was chosen because it’s close enough towalkto some areas of the Children of Solace compound.

“We can handle it.”

I turn towards the now-familiar voice with surprise to see Cole walking over. “They asked – we told them we think it’s a great idea and we can certainly spread out our guards to patrol this area as well, especially if they agree to only use it during the day.”

“Oh, great!” Shayne says, beaming up at him.

I narrow my eyes a little at my friend, thinking she’s got to get over this whole fan-girl thing soon if I’m going to get through my days without being nauseous the whole time.

Cole just beams back at Shay, either not noticing or not minding.

“Kincaid!” We all turn to see my dad striding over, some papers held high in one hand. “Reports are in!”

“Great!” Cole calls, starting to walk towards my dad.

Driven by impulse and curiosity, I go too, walking fast to keep up with Cole’s long stride. My father cocks his head as he stops, watching us approach together.

Cole looks down at me, one eyebrow raised. “You technically don’t have clearance for this, Miss Amir.”

I blink up at him, innocent and bland. “I do if you say I do, your Highness.”

Cole smirks at me and doesn’t break stride as he continues walking towards my dad.

Nobody says a word as I arrive at Cole’s side.

Chapter 13 – The Center

Nadia

Dad glances at me, a rare smirk on his lips, before turning his attention more completely to Cole. “Kincaid,” he says – his formality making me smile in turn. I mean, dad has been part of our nation’s military for a long time and has known Cole since he was a little kid.

But, I guess we’re in a military operation now.

“Some interesting information has come through.” Dad raises his left hand, indicating the slim laptop held there.

“Great,” Cole says, nodding. “Let’s have a look.”

The two start off together towards one of the therapists’ little fire circles. I hesitate for about a quarter of a second beforeI stride along with them, certainly not leaving until someone makes me.

“You don’t really need this information, Nurse,” dad says, glancing up at me as he takes a seat on one of the logs and opens the laptop. His voice is gentle though, soft. I know his subtle moods well enough to know that he’s entertained by my persistence, not bothered. Cole settles in on his left.

“Yes, I do,” I say, seating myself primly on dad’s right and leaning over to see the laptop. “The nurses have elected me their representative and leader and so I must be briefed so that I can decide what critical information to parcel out to them.”

Dad glances at Cole for a second, but when Cole makes no move to oppose my claims dad chuckles and opens a file.