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“And you’re a fucking good man, regardless of any perceived lack of education from your perspective,” Ronan said. “If you don’t make the move, it’s on you, Jug, but that woman is into you.”
Jug was quiet for the rest of the walk, which was fine with Ronan. They entered the camp through the side checkpoint, where Stryker was talking to themilitia on duty. “How’s the perimeter?” he asked, knowing they hadn’t been doing a perimeter check.
“Secure,” Jug grumbled and trudged off toward the medical tent and presumably his cot. He and Wraith walked to their tent, and both dropped onto their respective cot. “Proving it will be tricky.”
“I know,” Ronan agreed with his friend, but he had a feeling they would have to get it done anyway. “I’ll call Uncle Jacob in the morning. I need a couple hours of sleep.”
“Ditto,” Wraith said and yawned. That was the last thing Ronan heard. Turning off his brain tonight wasn’t a problem. He closed his eyes, took in a four-second breath, and let it out as he shut his shit down.
CHAPTER 13
Fleur sat in the admin tent, waiting for Rana to return from her translation duties in Tammara’s group. There had been two people who’d come to the camp for shelter and food. The newest members of the camp had said it was being circulated that the camp was closed and wasn’t taking any more people. That rumor would stop women fleeing abusive relationships or those destitute from seeking shelter. That broke her heart. For four years, she’d battled to take care of and relocate countless refugees from the fighting. Witnessing the hoards of people who’d once processed into the camp dry up to a trickle hurt to the point of feeling utterly defeated.
The small convoy of people going to Al-Tanftonight was preparing to depart. She’d packed a change of clothes and toiletries and given the small bag to Ronan that morning before relieving Rana. The events of the last months had scarred her. She couldn’t deny it. From grief to anger to the stupidity of considering moving people by herself through the tunnel systems she didn’t know and couldn’t navigate, she sat at the small table and examined each of the phases she’d gone through. Thank God Ronan and Shelly had stopped her and made her see the foolishness of her plans.
Miller entered the tent and sat down in front of her. “Are you looking for refuge?” She smiled at him.
“More than you could believe.” Miller sighed and rubbed his face. Leaning closer, he whispered, “Has Ronan said anything to you about who the person inside is? It’s been three days since we found out.”
Fleur glanced across the tent. The two women were working with the structure’s representative and engrossed in their conversation. She shook her head. “I haven’t seen much of him, but he hasn’t said anything.”
Miller leaned back and shook his head. “I guess I’m expecting a miracle.”
Fleur sighed. “We all are, but hopefully, we can continue with the drawdown and close up shop.”
Miller’s head whipped her direction. “What? That’s a change of tune for you, isn’t it? You were the biggest proponent of keeping this camp open.”
She nodded. “I’m tired, Miller. I’m going home after the camp shutters. It’s time.”
“Huh.” Miller blinked and looked at the floor. “Sorry to hear that. I really am.”
Fleur smiled at him. “Really? Why? It wasn’t like we were going to be assigned together again.”
He lifted his eyes and blinked at her. “What?”
“I asked why you’re sorry that I’m ready to go home.”
He shrugged the question away and said, “Oh, well, we’ve been through a lot. Thought you were digging in and wanting the camp to stay open.”
She shook her head. “Not anymore. Yeah, I made a loud stink about it in the beginning. Hell, I even attempted to find a way to get some of the people out via the tunnels.”
Miller frowned. “Did you give up that idea?”
She lifted a hand. “Yeah. I stopped the process. Ronan will get the convoys running again, and we’ll close. It might not be in two months, but hopefully, my security supervisor, who brought Guardian in, can get us more time to move everyone.”
“We need to move them as soon as possible.” Miller shook his head.
“We’re picking up transport vehicles tonight,” she reminded him.
“He’s taking all his team with him?”
“I think some will remain here. I’m not sure; I didn’t ask, but I assume he won’t leave the camp unattended.”
“No, probably not.” Miller stood up. “If I don’t see you before you leave, be safe.”
“Okay, thanks.” She leaned back in her chair and watched the man leave the tent. He was so damn stressed. She couldn’t imagine the pressures weighing him down.
Rana walked into the tent not much longer. Her face was tight with stress.