“Don’t worry, Rafe. I won’t start anything, but I sure as hell will finish it.”
“You’ll need to get in line.” There was a score to be settled, and it might happen sooner than later. “Your gear ready?”
“Always.”
“Good. Have the pilot ready for takeoff tonight.” Rafe ended the call. He hadn’t been home long enough to enjoy his deck or the view of the ocean. He’d thought when he retired from the Air Force he’d have more time to himself. Instead, he found it nearly impossible to sit still. If he wasn’t pulled away because they were hired to do a job, he volunteered for one. Like this one.
Opening the sliding door, he walked out and felt the warm summer breeze envelop him. Phoebe spent her summer breaks from college here with her friend, DeeDee. She’d asked him over and over again to spend his leave there with them. Each time he’d tell her next year. Now it was too late. But he could make it up to Phoebe by making sure Deanna, or DeeDee as Phoebe called her, had a lot more summers ahead of her.
Rafe leaned against the wooden railing looking out over the sea. He’d chosen this spot to build his house years ago because the shoreline reminded him of himself. Calm to look at, but the undertow could be deadly. Phoebe’s death only intensified the storm raging within him. If he could, he’d smash every evil thing. What no one knew was how close he was to letting that evil consume him. It took all his strength to fight it. And as long as he was in this line of work, he was dancing with the devil much too often.
He shouldn’t be worried about Josh; Moreira was going to be the most challenging job yet for Rafe. He needed to remind himself why he was going. If he didn’t stay focused, he might be the reason Deanna would get hurt. I know better. I’m too close to this situation. But it’s too late to pull back. No one knows what’s at stake better than I do.
Pushing away from the railing, he headed back inside. On the inside of the doorway, he took one last look at the carving: Phoebe & DeeDee BFF. Best friends forever. Forever hadn’t been long enough.
He grabbed his gear before heading to the airport where their private jet was waiting. He didn’t need to worry what was missing as he hadn’t unpacked from Tabiq. Same shit, different location. Rafe only hoped the results were positive with no loss of life on their side. Especially not Deanna’s.
Deanna was exhausted. Not only had it been a rough flight, but the journey from the airport to the Literacy Corps camp had been bumpy as heck. Two days later she still felt as though every joint in her body had been shaken loose. This trip hadn’t seemed so bad the last time. Could three years have aged her that much?
If someone had told her she’d been in an automobile accident, she would’ve believed them. Could tension be causing such havoc? Deanna knew her nerves were shot. Although the camp wasn’t in the same location, it was close enough. Nothing felt the same, yet everything did. It was crazy, but she seemed to be trapped by the past and unable to function in the present. The entire reason for coming here was so she could move on, have a future, one that included giving to those in need.
She looked around the camp, and everyone was busy doing something. One of the first women she’d met upon her arrival was sitting down with a bunch of children around her, playing her acoustic guitar and singing in the beautiful lilt of the Moresian language. Deanna didn’t remember much of it and the children didn’t speak English, yet they all could enjoy the music, no matter the language. They do say music is the universal language and food for the soul.
Deanna’s soul felt famished, and she realized coming here might not have been to help others as much as it was to help herself. How can I help anyone in the state I’m in?
Before heading back to the solitude of her tent where she’d spent the last two days, she felt a tiny hand slip into hers. Deanna practically leaped from her skin, but the hand didn’t let go. Looking down, she found a child no more than five smiling up at her. The little girl didn’t say anything, only tugged at her to follow.
Deanna couldn’t move. Her body was rigid with fear. The little girl said something, but Deanna couldn’t understand. She was hearing the words but couldn’t process what they meant. She used to know the language and had communicated with the locals before. What changed?
“She wants you to go with her to listen to the music.”
What the hell? That voice wasn’t one she expected to hear. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him looming over her. “What . . . why . . . how?”
“I was in the neighborhood,” Rafe said with a wicked grin.
Oh, yeah. “I didn’t realize you frequented Moreira.” His eyes were piercing, and she needed to turn away.
“I will be here until you’re not.” Her heart skipped a beat. She had no idea what made him say such a thing. She was about to ask when he continued, “Go with her. We can finish this conversation later.”
Deanna looked at the little girl who was still smiling up at her. A persistent thing, aren’t you? As her eyes met Rafe’s, she thought the same thing about him. She finally gave in and let the small child lead the way. She sat on the ground, crossing her legs and leaving plenty of room for the girl to sit beside her. Unexpectedly, she plopped herself on Deanna’s lap and leaned back against her as though she were a comfortable chaise lounge. Normally children kept their distance from strangers. Deanna was pleased the child had taken to her so quickly. Or this might be her way of making sure I stay put. Either way, they spent the next hour in that position.
The music stopped, and the girl bounced off her and scooted away with the other children without even looking back. Deanna finally had relaxed and stopped wondering what Rafe was doing there. Looking around, she found he was nowhere in sight. From everything Phoebe had said about him, there was no way he’d given up. The man was stubborn as the day was long. And a few things she didn’t mention like how damn handsome he is.
She didn’t want to admit, even to herself, that she’d been relieved to know he was there. Deanna had felt so alone until that moment. Although he apparently didn’t linger, just knowing he was in the same country eased her mind.
Coming here was totally her decision. The lengths she’d gone to in order to make it happen were outrageous, to say the least. She, better than anyone, knew what could happen. What did happen. The news never said what really had occurred, and Deanna had no idea why there was a cover-up. Her best guess was they didn’t want to scare off agencies that would then stop volunteering in high-risk areas. But she was under strict orders never to speak about it, and to this day she hadn’t. I guess I have to take it to my grave with everyone else.
Looking around, everyone was going about their business totally ignorant that everything could change in a blink of an eye. Part of her wanted to warn them, but what would that do except throw the entire camp into chaos? They’d also want to know how she knew this when no one else did. Once questioning began, it would be like pulling a string on a sweater. The lies would start to unravel, and there’d be no fixing it.
Knowing this was another reason she’d kept her distance from the others. It was easier to let them believe she was antisocial. Which wasn’t totally untrue. She’d once been outgoing and fun, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d kicked back and had a good laugh. It probably was with Phoebe. Now there’s nothing I find funny. Nothing to make me smile.
She didn’t need a doctor to tell her she was depressed. Deanna had done several things trying to pull herself out of the dark place she was in. Nothing helped. Her memories of that horrible day were always with her. How did anyone believe she could get past that? Unless they were there, they can’t possibly know what I’ve gone through.
Looking around one last time, she wished she could really be here now—not just physically, but emotionally. There was a part of her that had died that day. Deanna hoped by coming back and finishing what they started she might resurrect it. The will to go on.
She was about to enter her tent when she noticed, far off in the distance, a brief reflec
tion of some sort. It was a shimmer or a flash. She couldn’t really recognize it. Whatever it was, it was shiny, and the sun must’ve reflected off it. There wasn’t anything in that direction for miles.
A chill ran through her. They were being watched. By who? It was a useless effort to strain her eyes in hopes of seeing anything at that distance. Come on. Show yourself. She waited, but nothing moved, and the flicker of light didn’t appear again. Shaking her head, she entered her tent and went to her sleeping bag. She opened an inner lining she had sown in. Sliding her hand in, piece by piece she pulled out a gun. It wasn’t powerful and didn’t hold many rounds but enough that, close range, she might take out one of those scumbags before they got her.
For the next hour, she sat holding a tiny flashlight in her mouth as she carefully assembled the gun like she was shown by the guy who sold it to her. She’d practiced it many times at home, but this was different. Her hands were shaking as though her life might depend on getting it right.
She held it in her hand and realized something. She’d practiced putting it together, but not once had she ever pulled the trigger. It’d taken a tragedy to get her to hold a gun, but shooting it was an entirely different story. I hope I never have to find out if I can.
Deanna turned off the flashlight and climbed inside the sleeping bag. It was still early, but she needed to shut off her mind for a few minutes. Whoever was watching them might decide to make their move in the dark while everyone was asleep. But she’d be up, and even though they didn’t know it, she’d be watching over them. For whatever little good I may be.
Chapter Four
‡
“I saw it,” Rafe said over the SAT phone to Josh. “Can you make out how many?”
“Can only confirm one from this location. Did you reach out to Gabe?”
Rafe wished he had decided to bring a larger team with him. All he had was his gut to go on, and right now it was telling him whoever was watching the camp wasn’t alone. “Sent him a message.”
“There are too many places for these bastards to hide out here. We need visual via satellite.”
“He’s working on it,” Rafe said as he scanned the area with his infrared binoculars. Whoever it was must’ve realized their error and taken cover. Josh had kept a very low profile, but Rafe had made an appearance at the camp. He’d dressed to fit in, but if these guys were any good, they’d have noticed he wasn’t one of the regulars and questioned his arrival. I’m hoping they aren’t that smart.
Rafe knew lack of intelligence could make Josh and him more lethal. It meant their actions were unpredictable and sometimes irrational. That combination could cost lives. Rafe knew time was of the essence. Although he’d like to have something concrete to go on before acting, he didn’t have the luxury of waiting for Gabe. If the camp was at risk of being attacked, they needed to know now. He wasn’t going to stand there waiting for them to make the first move. Since there wasn’t any sign of a vehicle, the person had to be on foot. “I’m going over there. Cover my six.”
“Rafe, that’s not protocol.”
It’d be safer to have a sniper sitting up in the hills when he went to confront whoever was out there. But David wasn’t with them, so it was going to be up to Josh and him to ensure they made it out of this hellhole alive. Us and everyone else. They’d both faced much worse scenarios over the years. That didn’t mean they were going to treat it lightly. “Josh, if anything goes wrong, you get those people out of here. You hear me?”
The brief pause confirmed Josh was dealing with the same knife-in-the-gut feeling about this. “They don’t know we’re here, so what makes you think they’ll listen? Or is there something you’re not telling me? If so, I think now would be the time to spill it.”
Stealth mode wasn’t an option as these guys seemed to have the upper hand already. Hopefully not for long. Rafe had his earpiece on, so he could talk while making his way in the direction of the flash of light they’d both seen. A beep came in; it was Gabe. Adding him to the call, he said, “Talk to me.”
Gabe replied, “There’s a vehicle parked over the next ridge. Two men, one outside fully armed, but I can’t make out the one inside.”
Yeah, that’s more like it. He wished he’d been wrong, but that seldom was the case. The camp was being targeted again. The question was, why now? Why after three years? It seemed Gabe also picked up on that.
“You think they know Alice is really Deanna Glenn?”
Josh spoke up. “You mean the woman who was there when Phoebe—?”
“Yeah. She’s the one. I’m still not sure what she’s doing here, but she’s gone to extreme lengths to make it happen.”
“Something’s not adding up, Rafe.”
“Josh, just cover me. I’m going over to that ridge for a better look,” Rafe ordered.
Gabe chimed in, “These guys seem to be alone for the moment. I think we need to deploy the team to Moreira. Want me to make the call?”
Rafe needed to know exactly what they were dealing with. Josh called it. Something wasn’t right about this. He knew Deanna couldn’t have been involved in what had happened three years ago. Or at least I hope not. By her demeanor, she’d been a victim like everyone else. Although the official reports were sealed, he’d obtained enough information to have crossed that thought off the list. Yet, here she was, back in Moreira, and once again those bastards were active.
He stopped dead in his tracks. The answer he was looking for might not be over the ridge after all. It might lie asleep in a tent. He’d told Deanna they had things to talk about. That questioning was about to get a lot tougher. If you’re not as sweet and innocent as you pretend to be, I need to know now.
“Gabe, hold off on the team but keep a close eye on our friends out there. If they make a move, let me know. And try to tap into any radio communications. Not just from them, but from the camp too.”
“The camp?” Josh asked.
“Josh, until we know for sure who and what we’re dealing with, we trust no one.” Rafe hated throwing Deanna into that mix, but she hadn’t proven to be the most honest person he’d met. It was time for him to do more intense digging into her past. “Gabe, I want it all. From grade school to today.”
“Rafe, you can’t really believe she’d—”
“I don’t know what to believe right now, but do either of you believe this is a coincidence?” The silence was all he needed. “Everything, Gabe. And get me what you can on her father as well.”
“Got it. What are you guys going to do in the meantime?” Gabe asked.
“What we do best.” That meant going back to the camp and gaining her trust. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. “Josh, maintain your position and keep your eyes open.”
“And you’re doing what?” Josh asked.
“Going to make myself useful.” They all knew that meant he was going to be hands-on in that camp. If Deanna doesn’t talk, I’ll find someone who will.
“Good hunting.”
Rafe ended the call and headed back down the hill into the now sleeping camp. Each step took him closer, not just to Deanna, but hopefully to the truth. Somehow I have a feeling there’s a lot more that happened three years ago than any of us know.
He knew he needed to keep an open mind, but this was personal. If she had anything to do with Phoebe’s death, she’d regret the day their paths crossed. You and anyone else involved.
She’d anticipated having a difficult time sleeping, however for the first time in a long time her dreams weren’t filled with nightmares. That didn’t mean she’d forgotten where she was or why she was there. The small flashes of light that had initially caused her panic seemed to have calmed her nerves. She knew Rafe was out there somewhere watching her. That had to have been him last night, giving her a sign that she wasn’t alone, he was there with her, and not to be afraid. It’d worked, but why he was doing that remained a mystery. She’d never told him the truth, so why come all the way to Moreira?
Deanna thought for sure he’d have shown up again by now. He’d made it a point to warn her of his impending return. She intended to open up to him and let him know why she’d traveled all this way to a place she should never want to return to. Guess that conversation will have to wait.
It wasn’t a conversation she was in a rush to have. She had been able to keep the truth from everyone else, but she feared he might not be as easy to fool. There were things she’d never said, things she couldn’t. If she started opening up to Rafe, there was a possibility she might not be able to stop. Maybe because I don’t want to. I’m tired of lying and hiding. This is no way to live a life.
Part of her wished she’d told him while they were at the airport a few days ago. If anyone deserved to know, it was the Turchetta family. Once she’d learned who he was, the words should’ve flown out of her mouth. But years of being under government scrutiny had taken a toll on her. There wasn’t much fight left in her. If she’d revealed all she knew to him, what would’ve prevented him from telling others? Nothing at all. Phoebe had made it clear that Rafe wasn’t a man who could be made to do anything. So asking him politely to keep it secret wouldn’t have been an option. But having the truth out would’ve solved so many problems. For Rafe at least. I’m sure I’d pay a price. But what else can they do to me? I have nothing left that I love.
Then she remembered Rafe had been in the military for years. What if it wasn’t by chance that he’d met up with her at the cemetery? He could’ve intentionally taken her purse and followed her to the airport. Oh, God. That explains why he’s here. Not watching over me, but watching me. He’s here to make sure I don’t say anything. Deanna felt sick to her stomach. There was no running from it. Even thousands of miles away from home, the burden of the truth weighed on her heavily.
Pulling out the chain she wore around her neck, she looked at the charm. It was engraved to match the one she’d given Phoebe when they were in college together.
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