Page 88 of Trapped with the Covert Ops Soldier

“Smart. Why didn’t he sell this piece? It’s backed right up to the mountain.”

“The orchard mostly. It took a couple of years to get those trees established, but once they put down roots and started producing fruit, they did well. He didn’t want to have to start another orchard somewhere else.”

“Do you think he knew about the tunnel we found?”

“If he knew, he would have filled it in and gotten rid of the dynamite that started this whole mess.”

“So, who dug that tunnel out?”

“I think whoever is responsible for it, is dead or they would have used it.” Her dad studied her face. “Why don’t you want to sell?”

“There are over two thousand people buried down there. It’s not a mine, it’s a cemetery, and it needs to be left alone.”

“The mining companies aren’t going to give up easily.”

She snorted. “Neither do I.”

Her dad didn’t look convinced. “We need to figure out what to do with that damn shed and whatever is left of the hole in the ground underneath it.”

“Collapse it, if there’s anything left, and cap it with a big assed rock.”

“That’s going to cost.”

“I’ll figure it out, dad.” She patted his arm. She glanced at the street and saw a couple of unfamiliar vehicles pulling up and coming to a stop in front of her house. “I might need a taller fence to start.”

“A guard dog wouldn’t be a bad idea either,” her father added.

She straightened up and headed for the newcomers, expecting more lawyers or journalists.

Men in military uniforms exited both cars, four altogether.

One of them was Smitty.

The three others were interesting. Two were older with more grey than any other color in their hair. The last man was Smitty’s age and smaller than the rest.

“I’ll let you handle this,” her father said.

“Thanks dad,” she said, then headed toward the street.

“Smitty,” she called as she reached the group.

He waved and she joined him on the sidewalk.

“Dr. Abigail Westward, this is demolitions Sergeant Miles, Warrant Officer Garvey, and Lieutenant Singh.”

She nodded at each man.

He turned to look at them. “This is Dr. Westward, who discovered the tunnel that saved our lives.”

“Ma’am,” the lieutenant said respectfully. “I understand you’d like to see if there’s a safe way to destroy that tunnel?”

Is that what Smitty told them?

“Yes. I’m not actually certain it’s still intact now, but I want to be sure the whole thing is collapsed. I don’t want some idiot thinking they can dig a short way to whatever might be left, then die in the attempt.”

“That meshes with what Smitty told us. Can we see the site?”

“Sure.” She led them across the yard, past her family and into the shed. “Can I borrow Smitty for a few minutes?” she asked.

---