Page 6 of Devlin (Lighthouse Security Investigations Montana #4)

Dr. München’s gaze shifted down the table to Mia. “We also have someone coming from the World Food Program,” he said. “Margarethe Gunther will be leading her team. She’s familiar with our work here. Mia, I trust everything is in order?”

Mia nodded, her tone calm as she replied, “She’s my supervisor in the WFP. I’ve worked with Margarethe before. This shouldn’t be anything new.”

“Good. I understand she’ll be focusing on inventory and distribution.”

“My staff will be ready,” Mia assured him, keeping her expression neutral even as relief coursed through her.

Margarethe’s brief email, a single word—“acknowledged”—now made sense.

Her supervisor had opted to address the issue in person, bringing reinforcements.

If Margarethe’s team included investigators, Mia’s hope for uncovering the thefts rose considerably.

As Dr. München delved into further details, Mia’s attention wavered, her thoughts drifting to the people around the table. Each leader played a crucial role in the camp’s delicate ecosystem, and under Dr. München's guidance, the camp operated with remarkable efficiency.

Elaine, the no-nonsense British physician, worked tirelessly to ensure the clinic ran smoothly.

Ravi, the WASH coordinator from India, maintained the camp’s water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, a vital shield against disease.

Robert, the Canadian logistics officer, kept the supply chain humming, managing everything from food to emergency provisions with precision.

Percy, another Brit with a self-deprecating sense of humor, headed the refugee children’s educational programs. Elizabeth and Mark oversaw agricultural and economic initiatives.

Mia’s team occasionally collaborated with theirs on farming projects.

Moses, the camp’s Ugandan security officer, was a towering figure both in stature and presence.

His leadership kept order in an environment that could easily descend into chaos without firm but compassionate oversight.

Then there was Ritah, the protection officer and a close friend. Ritah’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable groups—women, children, and the elderly—was unparalleled. Her warmth and resilience inspired everyone around her.

And finally, Charlie, the irrepressible information officer. His knack for data collection and resource management made him invaluable. Mia had mentioned her concerns to him but no one else. In hindsight, even that felt risky.

She refocused as Dr. München wrapped up the meeting, his authoritative voice grounding her wandering thoughts. Margarethe’s arrival loomed large in her mind, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

When the meeting concluded, the group dispersed, each leader heading toward their respective responsibilities.

Stepping back into the relentless heat of the day, Mia felt the familiar press of time.

The demands of the camp were unyielding, and the hours ahead would be as challenging as ever.

Yet beneath the strain, a spark of determination pushed her forward.

Mia waved as Elaine headed into the medical building, then continued down the lane toward her office. Across the road stood the warehouse for other supplies, and she caught sight of Robert disappearing inside.

“What’s on your agenda today?” Ravi asked, falling into step beside her.

“I thought I’d continue with inventory,” Mia replied.

“Doesn’t Farid handle most of the inventory?” he asked.

“I thought I’d give him a hand today,” she said lightly, steering the conversation away from herself. “What about you?”

“I’m heading down to Sweswe. We’re working on adding more sanitation facilities. It’s the smallest village, but it’s likely the next to see an influx of refugees.”

Mia nodded, a shadow of understanding crossing her face. There were always more refugees. Yet no matter how thin their resources stretched, they would always find a way to welcome them.

“Good morning!”

Both she and Ravi turned as Doreen Ateenyi, Ravi’s second-in-command, approached and then waved. The Ugandan woman’s bright smile was as radiant as the sun overhead. She held a master’s degree in public health, and Mia knew it was only a matter of time before another camp sought her expertise.

Mia continued, entering her office to find her second-in-command, Farid Hussein, already at his desk. The South Sudanese refugee had worked tirelessly over the years, rising to a position of leadership through sheer determination and skill.

“What did the good Dr. München have to say today?” Farid asked as Mia dropped into her chair.

“We’ll have some visitors,” she replied. “Actually, several visitors. A mission group will be arriving, and some of them want to assist with food preparation and distribution.”

“Do you know which village you’ll assign them to?” Farid asked, his brow furrowed thoughtfully.

“I’m thinking Bulit or Mukondo,” she said. “Mukondo might need more help, but if there’s a large enough group, we could split them between the two.”

Farid nodded. “Mukondo could use the extra hands. I’ll make sure everything is ready.”

Mia leaned back, grateful as always for Farid’s insight. “That’s not all. We’ll also have an on-site inspection,” she added, watching his expression carefully. “Margarethe Gunther from the WFP is coming.”

Farid’s face lit up with a broad grin. “Having her back in the camp will be a delight.”

Mia couldn’t help but smile. Margarethe could sometimes look like a battalion general, but she had a heart of gold and had been a source of kindness over the years with Mia. “You’re right. It will be.”

“Anyone else coming?” Farid asked.

“I’m not sure,” Mia admitted. “Margarethe’s bringing a team, but she’ll take care of them.”

“Excellent,” Farid said, standing. “Do you want me to handle inventory today?”

“Yes, focus on the main camp storeroom here. I’m planning to check the village warehouses.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“No, thank you. You’ll be busy here. Besides, it’s good for me to make rounds and keep a clear picture of what we have on the ground.”

Farid nodded, his confidence in her unshakable, before heading to the warehouse.

Left alone, Mia closed her eyes briefly, her mind heavy with unanswered questions.

She didn’t want to believe anyone she worked with could be involved in the food thefts, but the logistics didn’t add up.

Refugees couldn’t do it alone, especially if food was leaving the camp.

Inhaling deeply, she gathered the items she’d need for her inventory review, tucking them into a satchel slung across her body.

Keys in hand, she stepped outside and headed to the Jeep.

She would retrace much of where she went last week when she’d made the trip at night.

But the camp felt very different in the light of day when the shadows were chased away by the sun.