Page 36 of Legacy's Call

Rana smiled for a minute, then said. “I’m glad you aren’t meeting the men. Thank you for changing your mind.”

“Shelly told you.”

“Of course, she did,” Rana said. “I don’t feel bad about talking to her. You were putting yourself in danger needlessly.”

“I agree … now.” She glanced over to where the Americans were camped. “They’re working hard to get the convoys going again.”

“Did you notice the militia are actually at their posts today?” Rana nodded toward the posts outside the perimeter of the camp.

“Not surprising. The Americans are fierce.” Which reminded her that she needed to ask Ronan what had happened at his morning meeting.

“And handsome,” Rana said, lifting an eyebrow.

“Are they?” Fleur batted her eyes comically. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Rana laughed and shook her head. “I’m going to finish my forms. I’ll bring them by the tent before I go find Tammara.”

“Thank you.” Fleur headed back to her tent. She wasn’t sure when Ronan would be available for dinner and didn’t want to interrupt his work. She glanced up at the sky. How was it possible that the arrival of a small team of men could change so much?

CHAPTER 9

Ronan glanced at the map they’d made of the camp. The outposts the militia were supposed to be stationed at were manned today because he’d laid down the law. If they wanted the money Guardian had access to, they’d do what they were paid to do. Habib was still in charge, at least for now. Bilal had left immediately after arriving at the small camp. He did, however, leave the people Guardian had negotiated to guard the area.

As Fleur had said, Habib seemed like one of the good guys. They discussed manning requirements and responsibilities. Habib fought him on only a few points, but they came to a mutually respected compromise.

The cut through the fence by the hospital tentwas concerning, and when Jug had told him about it, he’d made tracks to the camp’s structure people. From now on, they would be the first people notified if there were any compromises to the fence line. The fact that the lighting units illuminated the area and no one reported seeing anyone was disturbing. Either the camp occupants didn’t notice or were afraid to report the incursion. Both were unacceptable.

Miller called from the outside of the tent flap. “It’s Dupre, you wanted to talk to me?”

“Come in.” Ronan stood and greeted the guy. He motioned to the ad hoc table they’d set up for him to work on. “I have a few questions and concerns.”

“Sure, sure. What can I do to help you? Oh, man, is that candy?”

Ronan smiled and pushed the canteen cup filled with taffy toward the camp leader. “Have some.”

“Thanks.” He took one, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth, closing his eyes. “Been a long time.”

“I heard.” Ronan sat down. “Last night, there was an incident with the fence line near the medical tent.”

“Yeah. When I found out about it, I told Fleur to tell you.”

He knew Fleur had been with Shelly when Jug had found out about the cut in the fence. He assumed she’d checked on her friend before coming to tell him, and he’d address the priorities of that visit tonight. “From now on, your structures people will immediately bring this to our attention. Additionally, all outposts will be manned by the militia. Habib and I have reached an agreement for manning and accountability. My men will ensure the militia follows our directives.”

“Thank you. We’ve tried everything in our power to get them to cooperate, but if you have nothing to back up your pleading and begging, they have no incentive to agree or help. And I can talk to the men who manage the fence.”

“I already have.” Ronan waited for the man to object to his straightforward approach.

“Good.” Miller rubbed his face. “Can I tell you I’m glad you’re here until we bug out? We’ve lost some damn good people and too many IDPs. It’s a shame it took loss of life for someone to call in people who knew what the hell they were doing.”

“I agree. However, this isn’t our usual gig. We’re more of the go in, do the job, and get gone type of team, so if there are growing pains, we’ll work through them.”

“Understandable. What do you need from me?”

“I need some of your people to work night shifts and be additional eyes on the camp.”

“Work at night?” Dupre frowned. “Doing what?”

“Whatever they’d do during the day. Half your teams. Those who only deal with the IDPs, like your medical teams, can all stay on the day shift. Everyone else, sanitation, structures, and logistics, should be split into twelve-hour shifts. That way, we have extra eyes on the camp. Some will have to provide security when the convoys are moving again.”

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