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Miller was still there when she sat down. He crossed his arms and said, “Thank God. It’s about time we had some competence here. I don’t care if they’re hired muscle. But I’m not sure they can wrangle the local militia into submission. The best we ever got was reluctant and mediocre help. Speaking of which, I heard you were trying to meet with people outside the camp.” Miller spoke casually as they watched the men unload the trailer with an expediency and precision that only years of working together could bring.
She blinked and jumped out of her chair when she realized what he’d said. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on, Buchanan, I have my sources, and no, it wasn’t Rana. But she had to talk to people to get the information to the men she used to know. They talked to me.”
Fleur licked her lips. “I can explain.”
Miller held up his hand. “No need. I get it. You do what you need to do, but this won’t come down on this camp, understand? If you go through with this plan, it isn’t onmyorganization. The idea is too fucking risky, but I’ve known you long enough to know you won’t stop if you have your mind set on something.”
She winced internally at the reprimand. “I’m just looking for options.”
Miller nodded. “As I said, you do what you need to do. I have work, and you have mercenaries to deal with.”
“Mercenaries?”
Miller looked at her and lifted an eyebrow. “What else do you call hired paramilitary?”
“Salvation?” Fleur countered.
Miller chuffed a laugh. “That is yet to be seen.” He walked back to his tent, and Fleur sat back down.
Miller’s words lingered in her mind. She understood he was connected but hadn’t known how connected until now. Well, he wasn’t going to stop her, which she was grateful for, but him knowing what she was doing wasn’t in her plans. A lot of things hadn’t been in her plans.
Her eyes followed the leader of the team. Ronan. What an unusual name. She’d hugged him. Goodness, what a forward thing to do. But the excitement of having unexpected supplies had launched her at the man in immediate gratitude. The muscles under that uniform were hard and tight, and she may have been selfish and hugged him for a bit too long. The feeling of strength and, yes, protection when she was in his arms was something she didn’t know sheneeded. Being strong for everyone had taken its toll. So, sue her if she took a few precious seconds for herself in a stranger’s arms. Lord knew she’d given hugs to so many children in this camp. Physical contact was almost medicinal. Staring at the tall form of Ronan Alexander as he worked, she smiled. She could like that medicine. He was better than a teaspoon of sugar. She snorted and chuckled.
Rana appeared beside her. “Who are they?”
“Hi. They’re Americans. They have fuel and some supplies.”
“They’re building a tent. Are they staying?” She sat down on the ground beside Fleur.
“They are. They’ll be helping with security for the convoys—hopefully.”
Rana’s head jerked toward her. “So, you won’t need to use the tunnels?”
Fleur’s eyes narrowed as she watched the men erect the tent in record time. “I’m not sure. Why?”
“I received word from the people I know. They’ll be in the area in three weeks and will talk to you outside the camp. They don’t want to be seen near here.”
Fleur peeled her eyes off the men and looked down at Rana. “Outside?”
Rana nodded. “Don’t do it. I don’t know if thesemen have changed or if the same men are together.” Rana put her arm on Fleur’s. “Let these Americans help. There are fates worse than death, Fleur. You know this. The plan is foolish.”
It was, but she was desperate to get as many people out of the camp as possible before they shuttered it. “Tell them I’ll meet with them.” She held up her hand. “If the Americans can help, I won’t go. But I need to have a backup plan, Rana.”
The woman’s lips disappeared as she stared at Fleur. “I do not like it. You shouldn’t do it. Don’t meet with them, Fleur. It isn’t the way forward.”
“Neither do I, but I have to do something. And, Rana, be careful who you talk with,” Fleur said.
“What do you mean?”
“Miller knows.”
“How?” Rana frowned.
“I’m not sure, but he does. He won’t stop me, but he isn’t happy.”
Rana shook her head. “He should.”