Page 11 of Devlin (Lighthouse Security Investigations Montana #4)

Shaken slightly, she pushed forward. “I began to see discrepancies from Sweswe. My records of what they distributed and requested for months didn’t match up.

I noticed this last month. I brought it up with my staff, but none seemed to understand where the discrepancy was.

When we looked, we found crates were missing.

At first, I thought it was refugees stealing.

Most of the refugees there came from the Congo and were in bad shape when they arrived.

I also understand that many have had to steal, beg, and borrow anything they could to survive.

I hoped the discrepancies would stop as soon as they realized there would be plenty of food, and we would all work together. ”

“They didn’t,” Margarethe said.

Mia shook her head as she lifted her hand to rub her temples, staving off the blossoming headache.

“I reviewed several months’ records and realized that the village was requesting more and distributing less than what would have been correct.

Thinking my staff might have been overwhelmed, I shifted around a few people.

But that didn’t seem to make a difference.

Because the thefts were not random, I then began to wonder if I didn’t have a systemic problem on my hands.

I also began to think that more than just a few refugees were stealing.

It was too much at a time. It was too coordinated. ”

Cole nodded. “What made you think of the black market?”

She scoffed. “I live and work in an area surrounded by countries with military regimes that are just as desperate for money and goods as the refugees are. The black market abounds. Food, clothes, medical supplies, office supplies, and weapons. A refugee camp can be the perfect place for these predators. They prey on the weak and take whatever they can.”

“And you went to Margarethe because you weren’t sure who to trust here.”

Once again, Devlin spoke, and Mia felt forced to meet his gaze. His rich and steady voice seemed to wrap around her, pulling her attention even as she tried to resist.

“I don’t deny that there could be refugees here who the Congolese placed specifically to steal what they can,” she said, her tone sharp.

“But it’s so organized. And it makes me not trust anyone.

Even the heads of the camp that I work with.

” She squeezed her eyes shut briefly, hating the bitterness that had crept into her heart.

“Mia.”

The way he said her name softly sent a jolt through her.

Her eyes snapped open, locking and then narrowing on his.

Devlin leaned against the wall, arms still crossed, his posture seemingly relaxed, but his expression told a different story.

Something flickered in his eyes—sadness?

Regret? She couldn’t tell, and it infuriated her.

Dragging her gaze away from him, she turned to Margarethe.

“I went out one night last week, and when I came to the food distribution center at Kaborogota, I noticed I didn’t see a security guard around.

I parked down the lane and waited. He finally came around, so I left and came back here.

It just made me realize we have no consistent way to ensure no one is stealing.

And with trucks coming and going at all hours, the food can be vulnerable.

I emailed you immediately. Unable to know who I might trust, I thought it best to go straight to my superior outside this camp. ”

“You should always take someone with you when you are out at night,” Margarethe gently chastised.

The three men erupted simultaneously, their voices blending into chaos, but Devlin’s broke through above the rest. “What the fuck, Mia? What the hell were you thinking?”

White-hot fury surged through her. She turned on him, her gaze burning.

“How dare you question what I do in my job?” she bit out, her voice shaking with anger.

Her fist pounded against her chest. “I understand the qualities of loyalty and protection, not just ensuring the nutritional needs of these people.”

Margarethe raised a hand, her expression a mixture of concern and authority. “Enough,” she said firmly. “You’ve given us plenty to start with, Mia. It’s almost dinnertime. I’ll take these files and look them over tonight. We’ll regroup in the morning.”

Dipping her head, Mia stood. “You may use my office as long as you like. I need to check on my staff.” Her voice was calm, but her feet itched to carry her far away. Without waiting for acknowledgment, she nodded to the others before pushing past Devlin and heading out the door.

She battled the desire to race down the stairs but forced her feet to descend slowly, her movements deliberate. Spotting Farid across the warehouse, she crossed to him. “I need to check on the villages. Can you handle locking up after Margarethe and the others leave?”

“Of course.”

Relief softened her features as she gave him a grateful nod.

She stepped outside and climbed into her Jeep.

When she started the engine, she looked over her shoulder.

The three men were leaving the building, but she only felt Devlin’s sharp, unyielding, piercing gaze through the growing dusk.

She needed to put as much distance between her and him as she could.

Her chest tightened, and she gripped the wheel tightly before driving away.