Page 33 of Covert Mission

“But she works in places like this all the time.”

We both glance at Camile at the same time. I know what he’s thinking. This country is a damned dangerous place for women. Anything could have happened to MZ.

“Her father didn’t know about her security.”

“Seems so,” I say as I reach into my cargo pocket. “Did your store clerk indicate if she was alone?”

Scout takes a fresh bottle of water that I pass him. He twists the lid off and drinks half of it in one go. “Thanks.” He wipes the sweat from his face with his sleeve. “Two men were in town the same day. She didn’t see them in a vehicle together, but there’s not much tourist traffic here this time of year.”

“So, two men and MZ. That helps us, and truthfully, it makes sense that she’s not traveling alone. Any details on the men?”

“One in his forties, short and stocky. The other younger guy. Slim but fit, and darker complected. Dangerous-looking, according to the store owner.”

“A native guide, you think?”

Scout considers that for a beat. “Maybe that and her bodyguard. My best guess is that the other man is a fellow researcher.”

“Or a love interest…”

Scout’s eyes flicker. “Good point. Could be. That could be the reason her papa is ruffled. Older man messing with his little girl.”

“You never know. Regardless, this is a good development. We’ll start watching for those two as well as MZ. She might be lying low, and the men might be doing the supply runs.”

With a grunt, Scout finishes the last of the water. “I just hope she’s not under that earthquake debris.”

“You and me both. We won’t know until all the buildings have been cleared.”

He glances behind me toward the setup under the FamFind tent. The tables are arranged. Supplies in order. Camile, Belle, Brian, and Pembrook are busy talking with locals and starting their database of missing people.

He nods appreciatively. “Quite a setup. Looks like they’re down to business.”

“We helped get them straight.”

I know he’s gearing up to harass me.

“And you’re standing guard?”

I suppress a grumble. “Looks that way, doesn’t it?”

He stares at me for a beat before he briefly chuckles. “Man, I had a feeling when I saw you carrying her…”

“You might want to drop that subject.”

His chuckle grows into a low laugh that only we can hear. “Couldn’t get her to go packing?”

My muttered reply is low. “Stubborn ass.”

Scout adjusts his hat and snickers. “You should see the color on your cheeks.”

“Fuck. You.”

I don’t blush.

Course he doesn’t leave me alone. Instead, he asks, “So, what now?”

“Now I stand here, and you get back to work.”

He’s grinning like a monkey with a banana. “So, you taking them all home to yourcabinatonight?”

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