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“Fleur, this is J.J. Hines. Do you know who I am?”
Fleur’s gut dropped. He was the chief of security for the entire company. She’d only ever heard of him in passing and had never spoken to him. Why was he calling her? “I do.”
“Good. I’ve been working with a private security firm, Guardian Security. They’ve managed to free a team up to assist you with the drawdown of the camp. We don’t want another person lost. Guardian will control the local militia and the camp's security.”
Fleur jerked. Her hopes launched, and she immediately asked, “And the convoys?”
“I’m waiting for more intel on where the groups got their information. Until we know who’s responsible for the leak, we can’t risk our people or the lives of those we care for. Guardian Security will have the final call on any more convoys.”
“But, sir, we have a deadline to get these people to other NGOs or out of the country. If we miss it, they’ll be left here, unattended. We might as well serve them up on a platter.” She ran her fingers through her hair.
“One step at a time, Buchanan. Rushing our response isn’t smart, and it isn’t what we’ll do. I’ve been told the camp coordinator has been informed about Guardian’s pending arrival. You will be Guardian's primary contact since you’re ourorganization’s anti-trafficking officer and coordinate the convoys at that location. I need you to take them through what you do to organize and equip a convoy, who you contact, and what happens at each step of the way. Having outside eyes on the process could help us determine what’s happening. As I said, their team leader will make the final call on future convoys.”
“And if we do everything they say, will we have more time to move the IDPs?” She clutched to that hope as she asked. The attacks had put their drawdown timeline down the tubes. They needed an extension to get the kids to safety.
“Out of the country? Probably not. To another IDP camp? I hope to be able to convince the chairman of that necessity. There’s a good chance of that if we can protect the convoys. There’ll be no UN security. They’ve already declined to help, so Guardian is our last shot. They’re good, damn good.” The man sighed. “I know what you’re going through over there. I spent my time in the trenches.”
“Oh, really? How many of your friends died?” It was a sharp and bitter question, but she knew for a fact hedidn’tknow what she was going through. No one did unless they’d been in this camp and been the one who coordinated the convoys.
There was an audible sigh on the other end of the line. “That’s a fair question. None.”
“And I’ve lost seven. Seven workers for this company and other NGOs who believed in what we were doing died, and all those people from the camp are gone. Youknowwhat’s happening to them. Yet everyone here and abroad has twirled their fingers and shrugged when we’ve asked for investigations and more protection.” Fleur stood up and started pacing. “How many more will be trafficked and killed before this damn government will stand up for its people.”
“Buchanan, we can’t change the governments of this world or the way they make us operate in each country. All we can do is our best. Right now, our best is paying for elite security operatives to come and assist you as we draw down.”
She frowned. “Elite security operatives?”
“Guardian Security, to be precise, a subsidiary of Guardian International, performs duties outside regular channels. They’re the absolute best at what they do. They’re a sanctioned entity in the United States, federally recognized but hired by more nations than you can imagine. Technically, I guess you’d classify them as a private security firm when they’re working overseas. I’ve known of severalmissions where Guardian has freed Americans from desperate situations, protected humanitarian efforts, and provided safe passage for people stuck in a world of hurt.”
“And they’ll help us.” She sighed. “It only took people dying.”
“Buchanan, again, we’re doing what we can.”
Fleur didn’t say anything for a moment then blurted, “If we expose what the host nation is doing, or in this case, not doing, maybe we could force them to protect their people.”
“Do you really think one person or one organization ringing the alarm would stop this country from doing what it’s always done?”
“Which is profiting off the lives of their displaced people. It’s sickening.” Fleur lifted her hand in a helpless gesture as she spoke. As if this man sitting in an office half the world away could see her.
“Do I need to send a replacement to draw down the camp? You’ve been under stress that most people would crumble under.”
Fleur’s heart raced, and she rushed her answer. “No. No, you don’t have to replace me.” If they did, she might be unable to help get the IDPs out of the country or into another camp. “I’m tired, but I’llwork with the new security personnel when they arrive.”
“It isn’t anything to be ashamed of, Buchanan. I do understand your stress.” He rushed on before she called him on that bullshit. “Not that I’ve been through what you’re going through. Rather, I understand what stress can make a person do. I need assurance that you aren’t going to do something stupid.”
Fleur’s eyes widened. He couldn’t know. “Meaning?”
“Depression is a very real concern at the moment.”
She tossed back her head and laughed. “God, no. No, it’s not a concern for me. I’m going to fight for these people. I’m mad; I’m not depressed.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Positive,” she reassured him. “When is your security team going to be here?”
“It’s being arranged now so their arrival could be within the month.”
“All right. Did you have anything else?” She was over this call.