Page 35 of Devlin (Lighthouse Security Investigations Montana #4)
"Yes, I see where that would be best," she said, nodding once more. She suddenly became aware of how often she was doing it, her head bobbing like one of the old dashboard toys. But her nervous energy wouldn’t settle, crackling through her veins like a live wire.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to focus. "Is it possible for us to request Ugandan police presence at the area where the food supplies are being taken to the lake?"
Dr. München sighed, rubbing a hand over his chin. "I have no authority to make such a request outside our camp’s borders, but I can certainly inform the Ugandan police. It is a central, unified force across the country, and I have met their commander, the inspector general of police."
As he pushed back from his desk and rose, Mia realized their meeting was over. She quickly stood as well, extending her hand. "Thank you, Dr. München, for your help."
He walked around the desk and clasped her hand firmly before gesturing toward the door. She smiled, offering a polite goodbye before stepping out into the hallway.
Mia moved briskly down the hall, her thoughts already jumping to the next task. She was almost to the lobby when a realization struck her—she should’ve asked about speaking to Moses.
She hesitated. Would it be overstepping if she brought it up now?
Dr. München had taken charge of speaking to Robert, clearly preferring that the chain of command remain intact.
Would he also want to handle Moses himself?
Indecision warred within her, but finally, she turned back. She wouldn’t know unless she asked.
Walking purposely, she retraced her steps to his office and lifted her hand to knock. She paused when she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She hesitated, not wanting to interrupt. But then she heard his voice, low and distinct.
"Yes, that’s what I said," Dr. München murmured into the phone. "She’s getting close, and I want it taken care of."
Mia froze. Her heart slammed against her ribs, breath catching in her throat.
She couldn’t make out the muffled response on the other end. Then came the unmistakable click of the old-fashioned phone mouthpiece settling into its cradle.
She’s getting close? Was he talking about her? A chill crawled down her spine.
Mia lowered her hand without making a sound and took a slow step back from the door.
Her pulse pounded in her ears, each thud echoing in the silence of the hallway.
She barely breathed as she retreated, her movements careful.
It wasn’t until she reached the far end of the corridor that she turned and hurried toward the exit.
She’s getting close… Dr. München’s words rattled in her head, over and over, slithering through her thoughts. They could have meant anything. Anyone. But unease slid through her, sharp and insistent, making her question everything she thought she knew.
The moment she stepped outside, the hot Ugandan sun hit her skin, but the warmth did nothing to dispel the chill still gripping her spine.
The low rumble of an approaching vehicle pulled her attention up the lane.
A Jeep kicked up a cloud of dust as it rolled toward her, with Devlin behind the wheel.
He barely had a chance to slow before she climbed in, her movements quick, almost instinctive.
He shot her a sharp look, his brow furrowed.
"Are you okay?"
Mia forced a smile, the kind she had perfected over years of working in crises. Calm. Controlled. Unshakable. She nodded. "Yes. Let’s head to the police station and talk to Moses."
Devlin held her gaze. He didn’t look convinced but didn’t push her to talk.
As he drove, Mia kept her hands clenched in her lap, her mind racing. She should tell him. Shouldn’t she? But his words were just words… not an admission of guilt or inside knowledge. Maybe he wasn’t even talking about her. Uncertainty twisted in her gut.
The Jeep rumbled over the uneven road, the tires crunching over the dry earth. Then suddenly, Devlin pulled to the side and killed the engine, and her stomach dipped.
He turned toward her, his gaze steady, unreadable. "Let’s have it."
She didn’t even try to feign ignorance. It was pointless. Devlin had always been able to read her… sometimes before she even understood what she was feeling herself.
Exhaling, she relayed everything about her conversation with Dr. München, his reasoning for speaking with Robert, his agreement to contact the Ugandan police. Then she hesitated before telling him the rest. The moment she had turned back… finding the door open… hearing his words.
"And those were his words exactly?" Devlin asked, his tone calm but edged with something harder.
She nodded. "This is so stupid, Devlin. Those words could be about anything or anybody. Yet I felt a chill run down me as though he was talking about me."
Devlin didn’t hesitate. He pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons before bringing it to his ear.
"Todd? Have Sadie or Casper do a deeper dig into Dr. München. I know his bank and professional background look clean, but we just want to make sure."
He disconnected without another word, slipping the phone back into his pocket. Then he turned to her, his eyes searching. "Okay. You ready to go talk to Moses?"
Mia studied him for a moment. It wasn’t just what he had done—it was how he had done it. No hesitation. No dismissing her concerns as paranoia. Just action. It was such a simple thing, but it settled something deep inside her. Her lips curved slightly as she gave a nod. "Yeah, let’s go. Together."
Devlin restarted the Jeep, maneuvering it back onto the road. And as they rolled forward, she didn’t miss the faintest hint of a smile crossing his face.