Page 49 of Legacy's Call

“Were to cover the first.” Adil shook his head. “The refugees were sold or given as gifts. The fuel, food, and medical supplies were sold on the black market. Each convoy provided over five years of money to the people who attacked the convoys. They look forward to the next.”

“The next one is in three days, going to Al-Tanf and returning with transport vehicles. It will be protected.”

“And you would like me to do what with this information?” Adil cocked his head.

“Tell the people you know who attacked the convoys. Let them know if they come for us, they will die. Guardian doesn’t play games.”

“This will not stop them when you move refugees again. Whether or not they’re told to attack the convoys, they will. The profit is too good.”

“How will they know which day we move the people?” Ronan put his hands on his hips and asked, “And why were all the convoys attacked on a Tuesday?”

Adil smiled. “Who is not working on Tuesdays? Who can leave the camp without anyone’s knowledge and place a call?”

“It sounds like you already know the answer.”

“I think I do, but you won’t like what I say.”

“Try me.” Ronan waited for Adil’s response. The one word out of the man’s mouth hit him with the force of a freight train. “You’re sure?”

“Certainty is a moving target in this country. If part one and part two join together, the probability is very good that the two pieces join to equal one.”

Ronan stared at the tip of his boot. “I’m going to need proof.”

“That you will. I, however, am not in the business of providing proof, just information.” Adil sighed. “There are good people in the camp. Some have lost their lives trying to protect my countrymen and aid them. I ask myself, whythiscamp? Why is it going away? The other camps are not touched. What is so special about this camp? Why would someone want the camp gone?”

Ronan narrowed his eyes. “It’s bigger than just the convoys.”

Adil nodded. “The convoys are, how your uncle said, low fruit. Easy to pick. But the tree is much bigger with a wealth we can’t see, butsomehowit is there. Yes, I believe it is much bigger than the convoys. There’s a lot of shale in this area, isn’t there?”

“And why would whoever it is want the camp gone? What does shale have to do with anything?”

“That I don’t know. Again, it is my speculation and suspicion, but the questions are worth asking, don’t you think?”

“Agreed. Do you have any way of validating your suspicions about the informant?”

Adil shook his head. “No. The protection of thisman is from someone very powerful. I rarely run into roadblocks. My network is extensive and many, many years old. Trusted people with proven allegiances have told me not to inquire further. So, I watched. Five convoys, five trips out of the main gate. My speculation about his identity is based on observation and a suspicious nature. Who he works for and why he’s doing it need to be determined, and that is on you. I will, of course, provide any information I can.”

“I’d like to provide you with something for the information you’ve already provided. What do you need?”

“A country that is not torn by war?”

Ronan gave a sad laugh. “Above my pay grade, my friend.”

“Ah, well, then, how about a seat on the plane when you leave?”

Ronan blinked in surprise. “Are you sure?”

“I talked to your uncle about it. He will work the paper for you to bring me out.” Adil shook his head. “I have to think of my future. I’ve learned English and how to read and write it. I want a chance to sleep without the fear of war. I am tired of being one step ahead to ensure I stay alive.” Adil looked at him. “I am ancient, and yet I am only twenty-four.”

Ronan could understand the exhaustion. He’d been on his own and working to survive since he was a teenager. “If the organization says yes, I’ll ensure you come with us.”

Adil smiled. “They will say yes. They offered me a job.”

“Did they? Doing what?”

“Mapping the tunnel system in Aleppo and beyond.” Adil smiled. “I could walk through them blindfolded.”

“Are they where the women and children are being taken?”

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