Page 22 of Pierre (Voodoo Guardians #40)

When the group of children appeared at the gates early the next morning, Ambry, Doc, Ajei, and Marjorie raced toward them, worried that they were harmed in some way.

“Where are the others?” asked Ambry.

“They are still up on the mountain, ma’am,” said the young man. “The big man told me to bring them here. They’re scared, dirty, and hungry, but I don’t think any are hurt.”

“Thank you,” said Ajei. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded. “The men believe the nun is behind this. They were hidden in the home beside her church. Why would a nun do such a thing?” Doc frowned at the young man, shaking his head.

“I wish I could answer that,” he said, staring at him. “Men and women come in all sizes, varieties, and carry different moral codes. Some are good. Some are evil. Their occupations mean nothing, unfortunately.”

The young man just stared at him, then at the dirty boys crying now for their parents.

“I have a brother their age,” he said quietly. “I should make sure he is okay.”

“That’s probably a good idea. You go check on him, and we’ll make sure these boys get to their families, if they have one.”

“And if they don’t?” asked the young man.

“We’ll make sure they are well cared for. I promise.” He disappeared in the truck, rambling toward the eastern side of town. As the team questioned the boys, the picture became very clear.

Kidnapped by young soldiers or gang members, they were given to another group of soldiers and sent to hiding places. The boys were told they would be heroes, championing their new countries.

“So, they are being taken to serve as soldiers in a country not their own,” said Elliott. “How do we stop this?”

“We let the professionals stop this,” said Ajei. “Trust me. Frank, Ham, Pierre, and the team know what they’re doing. We let them handle that end of the business, while we handle this end.”

“You have a lot of faith in them,” said Elliott. Ajei nodded, smiling as she wiped the young boy in front of her.

“I do. The man I consider my father, my brother-in-law, married my sister and adopted me.

He is everything to me. He protected me, provided for me, and taught me all the things I needed to know to be ready for this world.

He was one of the founding members of the security company we own back home.

“When I got married, he walked me down the aisle. When my son was born, he was there. In all my years, I have never had anyone in my family, on our team, lie to me or disappoint me. When these men and women tell you they’re going to do something, you can take it to the bank. It will be done.”

“I hope you’re right,” said Elliott. “These people have experienced enough disappointment. They don’t need anymore.”

After assessing the children, bathing them, feeding them, and beginning the long process of contacting families, the medical team settled into cleaning and restocking the rooms once again.

When the medical commander entered the area, Marjorie stood still, almost afraid of what he would say.

“Relax, Marjorie. Someone saved your ass on this one.”

“Sir?” she frowned.

“Apparently, the CID team was conducting their own investigation. I guess they didn’t think to notify me that someone under my watch, on this ship, was a potential drug dealer and user.”

“User? We never suspected she was using,” said Ambry.

“I know. No one did. She knew better than anyone how to cover up for drug tests and somehow managed that process well. They uncovered cases of drugs in her apartment. She had a deal with one of the pharmaceutical reps as well. It was like a fucking drug store in there.”

“Did they arrest her?” asked Marjorie.

“We didn’t have to. She was dead when they found her. Overdose.”

“Damn. I really am sorry to hear that,” said Ambry.

“Well, if there’s one good thing that came from this, it’s that they’re dropping the investigation into you,” he said.

Marjorie let out a sigh of relief, emotions bubbling to the surface.

“CID confirmed that you were never a part of this, and she did a good job of ensuring the cabinets always looked full, often replacing empty vials with ones that she’d filled with sterile water.

She was clever. None of you would think anything was going on. ”

“So, I’m good,” asked Marjorie. “I mean, my job isn’t in jeopardy?”

“No. However, your contract is up soon, so you’ll have a decision to make. I’d hate to lose you. Any of you,” he said, nodding toward Marjorie, Ambry, and Elliott. “You’re all coming up on the end of contract. If you want to talk about this, my door is always open.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Ambry. He nodded, walking away, then turned toward them.

“One more thing. You did a helluva job with all those kids. Many have families, many don’t, but we’re working with a reputable agency that will help to provide shelter for them. Probably not here, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” Ambry nodded, looking at the others.

“No. Not a bad thing at all.”