“Rafe, that means nothing,” Josh said as he paced anxiously.

Rafe knew that wasn’t a conversation any of them wanted to have, but it was needed. “Josh, you’re not thinking like a Marine.”

“And you aren’t thinking like a brother. Phoebe never would’ve involved herself with someone who could”

“We don’t know that, Josh. Think about it. We loved her, but we spent more time overseas than with her or Melissa,” Rafe snapped back, running his hand through his hair. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the truth. “I can’t tell you what her favorite band was, never mind who she was hanging out with. Can you?”

Josh shook his head. That’s what ticked him off the most. After all those years of keeping close tabs on Phoebe, he’d found that, in the end, she’d been equally savvy at evading his tactics.

“I know she wasn’t stupid. If Deanna was trouble, Phoebe would’ve cut ties.”

Rafe would like to think so, but there were pieces missing, and things were not lining up as they should. He couldn’t blame Deanna. He could blame the rebels who’d killed Phoebe. Mostly he blamed himself for not being a better brother. “Dang it. Maybe I should’ve let her join the military like she wanted. At least then she would’ve had a gun to protect herself.”

“Rafe, if Phoebe had really wanted to, she would’ve. She was a Turchetta. Nothing would’ve stopped her, not even your controlling ways.”

There was no arguing with that. As the eldest in the family, it was his duty to take care of everyone. Since Josh was number five out of seven in the Turchetta clan, it only made sense that he viewed him in the same light that Phoebe and Melissa had. He knew Josh wasn’t someone to mess with. If he had been, the Marines wouldn’t have utilized him as they had. Even Melissa was one tough cookie. It was Phoebe who he’d underestimated. She’d always seemed so young, so innocent. Fragile. But he was learning a different side of her. Could it be true; had he been so wrong about her all those years? Wish I would’ve known all this before. Maybe we could’ve been . . . closer.

“Are you saying you trust Deanna?” Rafe asked. He needed an impartial opinion, not that Josh could give that.

“Not saying either way. Just keep an open mind. She might be as much of a victim as Phoebe was.”

“She’s not dead,” Rafe said sarcastically.

Josh arched a brow. “What the heck’s gotten into you, Rafe? I’ve never seen you react like this before.”

He glared at Josh. “What does that mean?”

“We both have seen enough action to know what survivor’s guilt looks like. That woman has it written all over her face.”

Guilt for something, that’s for sure. “Josh, maybe I’m being too hard on her, but you’re being too easy.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing David is flying in. Maybe a fresh set of eyes on the situation is what’s needed.

“Who the heck made that decision?” Rafe questioned.

“David.”

“Since when is this a free for all?” Rafe barked.

Josh looked Rafe squarely in the eye. “The day we lost Phoebe we said we’d always have each other’s six. Whether you want to admit it or not, we could use him here.”

“It’s not about if we can use him, Josh. It’s how many of us do we want here if things go wrong?” He didn’t doubt any of their abilities. But he’d rather know who and what they were up against first.

“Think of it this way, you can watch Deanna and David, and I will be watching you.”

Rafe shot him a sharp look. “I don’t need to be watched. You guys just keep me abreast of anything coming or going.”

“What exactly are we looking for?”

Rafe remembered Deanna telling him the women and children came to them. Why hadn’t he noticed that before? What happened to them? Why wasn’t that in any report? It was yet another unanswered question. Did Deanna hold the answer? Was she intentionally withholding some facts? If so why? “Have Gabe pull every report he can find on that attack.”

“What are we looking for?”

“Not sure. I know we’re missing something.” He had hoped being here would give him a new perspective on things. Now he was concerned about what they might find.

“Rafe, I know that look.”

He nodded. “Pull in the team. Don’t use the airport. Bring them in under the radar. They already know we’re here, let’s not give them any more information.”

“Roger that,” Josh said as he left to make the calls.

Rafe needed to get back to the camp. He needed someone close by in case things changed quickly. The only problem was one person couldn’t be everywhere all the time. Although he hated having three of them here, he was glad David would be lurking up in those hills, watching. He was the best long distance sniper he’d ever seen in any branch of the service. Might not put the odds in our favor, but it sure as heck evened them.

Rafe checked his weapons and started down the hill. He knew there would come a point where there wasn’t any cover, and he’d be a sitting duck if they decided to take a shot. Wearing a bulletproof vest would only bring panic in the camp. They should be afraid. It bothers me that they’re not.

Either all of them were ignorant of what had occurred here three years ago, or they were stubborn fools who weren’t going to leave easily. Either way, he wasn’t looking forward to being the one to tell them to pack up and get out. It was going to come to that, but when exactly would be determined by what Gabe and Josh found out. Or if our little friends decide to come and have another look.

Either way, this Literacy Corps group’s time was limited. He wasn’t leaving them behind. They were going willingly, or by force, he didn’t care which. There’d been enough bloodshed in this place already. Without anyone to protect them, it was only a matter of time before it occurred again.

Rafe couldn’t help but feel for the innocent ones who would go without. The Literacy Corps was providing an out for these women. One they wouldn’t have had otherwise. One that would tick off the men here. Damn. Could it be as simple as the attack took place because they didn’t want their women educated? He’d seen it many times before but not at this level. And not with my sister.

He was outside of Deanna’s tent, and he stopped to listen. No sounds came from inside. It was good she was sleeping. Rafe was also pleased to know she wasn’t as defenseless as he’d first thought. The small gun she’d hidden away in her sleeping bag wouldn’t do much, but it would slow someone down, or with luck, kill someone. He’d been impressed with the lengths she’d gone to so she’d know if anyone tampered with her stuff. What she hadn’t known was that he would always be one step ahead of her.

He was almost tempted to offer her a more suitable weapon, one that would have more punch, but he wasn’t sure she could shoot. He couldn’t take the chance of someone taking it from her and using it against her. Although he had every intention of being close by all the time, she wasn’t the only one who needed protecting here. The entire camp could face the same consequences.

Another twenty-four hours would be the game changer. His team would be here, and those rebels would be lucky if they made it out of their vehicles alive, never mind actually into the camp. He and Josh only needed to hold things together a bit longer.

He walked around the camp checking each tent, making sure no one had been lurking around. Everyone had called it a night. That meant the only ones keeping an eye open were Josh and him. This mission wasn’t the first time they’d gone days without sleep. You guys better count your lucky stars that we’re on your side. If not, this night would be so much different. And it could have been your last.

Hours had passed, and it was almost dusk. Rafe knew people would start waking up soon. He didn’t want to get caught looking like he was on patrol. That would open up a line of questions he would prefer answering only when he was ready. He made his way to the other side of the camp where it’d appear he was coming up from the river. Since he was carrying a canteen that would be the perfect cover story.

What troubled him most about this group was how no one had checked his credentials when he’d introduced himself as a new volunteer. Just because he looked, sounded, and said he was from the US, what proof did they have that any of that was accurate? They were so happy to have help that they turned a blind eye to what danger might be lurking. Rafe couldn’t help but wonder if the same mistake had taken place years ago.

He’d need Gabe to pull whatever rosters and logs they had. It was time they started doing some digging rather than believing what they’d been told. Somehow he knew it hadn’t been the truth. Wouldn’t be the first time the government lied to me for what they call the good of the people. He wished he could say it would be the last, but corruption had woven its ugly web everywhere he looked. There was a time when he knew who he could trust. Now he wasn’t so sure.

As people started leaving their tents, Rafe knew they fell into the pile of untrustables. Even you, little Miss Deanna Glenn. I know you’re lying to my face. And when I find out why, we’re going to have a long hard chat. One you aren’t going to like one bit.

Rafe heard Josh’s voice in his earpiece. “Eyes from afar.”

“Roger.” Rafe knew exactly what that meant. David was here and watching. That provided a slight relief, but he wasn’t going to rest easy until they were out of there. The hairs on the back of his neck said something was brewing. The question was, would they figure it out beforehand or not?

Rafe wasn’t a betting man, but if he were, the money would be on his team. No matter the situation, they’d never let him down. And this isn’t going to be the first time.

---

Deanna could barely pull herself up off the ground. It wasn’t the lack of comfort, but it had been a sleepless night thinking of Rafe. He scared and intrigued her. Rafe wasn’t a man to play with. Everything about him screamed dark and powerful. Deanna knew she should do everything she could to keep her distance, yet when he looked at her, never mind touched her even briefly, something inside sparked. A yearning that has no place in my life right now. And definitely not for him.

It wasn’t just because he was Phoebe’s brother. That was bad enough. But the man viewed her as an enemy to the Turchetta family. In a way she was. Deanna had let the truth be buried along with Phoebe. And when Phoebe’s sister reached out in a letter, Deanna hadn’t had the guts to open it, never mind respond. If only they knew. Understood. Maybe they wouldn’t hate me. No one hated her more than she hated herself.

Each time she looked at Rafe, she turned away—not only out of fear of him, but out of shame. The saying “the truth will set you free” didn’t apply when the government threatened to crush everything your family had worked generations to build. If it had just been me, then I would’ve climbed the highest building and shouted the truth to everyone.

But none of that seemed to matter, because last night her mind had seemed to be playing tricks on her. Even knowing dang well he’d been angry when they parted, it’d been as though she sensed he was close by. She’d opened her eyes and even peered out of her tent a few times, but each time brought the same result. She was alone.

Sleep had eluded her, and Deanna had tried closing her eyes so tight they hurt, but all she could see was him. His stare seeming to penetrate her to the core, leaving her no place to hide. His eyes growing darker the closer he came. His intentions had been clear. He’d find out what she was hiding, and he was the one person she feared would succeed.

Deanna had mastered deceit so well it flowed like a rushing river, never ceasing. Although he’d never actually called her a liar, she knew that’s how he saw her. How can he see it when I barely allow myself to?

Deanna had tried hiding things from Phoebe when they were young. That’s how they’d become such good friends. There had been an older classmate who’d been bulling her. She’d been warned that if she told anyone it would get worse. So Deanna kept her mouth shut.

Phoebe had asked her about it one day, and Deanna said it was nothing. Actually, she thought her acting skills had been superb at the time. Phoebe didn’t buy it and said she’d handle it. No matter how much Deanna begged and pleaded with Phoebe not to, Phoebe must’ve done something, because Deanna was never bullied again, and not just from that girl, but from anyone at school.

You always knew, Phoebe. Is Rafe channeling you? Is he picking up on my lies because you’re insisting he finds them? Deanna believed the universe worked that way, an endless connection from one to another. And the more you tried to break it, the harder it drew you in.

Now she was totally stressed out. Thoughts of Rafe tormented her, followed by sweet memories of Phoebe. Any more Turchettas want to visit with me today?

She knew she needed to get out of this tent before she drove herself crazy pondering things that were out of her control. What Rafe or any of the Turchettas thought of her shouldn’t bother her one bit. Deanna knew she wasn’t guilty of anything other than following orders. The Turchettas were a family that had served in the military. If anyone should understand her dilemma, it should be them. That doesn’t mean they’ll like it.

Once she set her paper in place again, she was ready for the day. Or at least as ready as she would ever be. This time she wasn’t the first up and out. Even with her lack of sleep, she seemed to have been the last to start the day. Women and children were already arriving, and her quick run to the river would have to be delayed.

Rushing over to one group that had gathered, she greeted them all before picking up the chalk and beginning the lesson of the day. It was easy enough to follow because most of it was repeating what they learned the prior day, only adding a few new elements. Throwing too much at them would overwhelm them, and they wouldn’t return. That would defeat the entire purpose.

As she stood teaching she noticed Shadoa watching from behind a tree. Deanna didn’t know why she wasn’t joining the group. It was for all ages. She waved her hand and tried to call her over, but Shadoa didn’t come; she only slipped farther behind the tree.

Deanna excused herself from the group and headed toward the girl. She knew Shadoa would want to participate. Each day she was there, sitting in the front row. Her smiley face was appreciated and missed. As Deanna got closer, Shadoa bolted away, running back down the path toward her village. Even though Deanna wanted to follow, she knew it was impossible. Their group knew their boundaries, and they weren’t allowed anywhere outside their camp.

The Literacy Corps said staying here was the only way they could guarantee their safety. That word made her cringe. One thing about being in Moreira was no one could promise a dang thing. That didn’t mean she’d be foolish enough to tempt fate any more than she had and follow Shadoa to her home. Whatever had scared her off today, hopefully, wouldn’t tomorrow.

Deanna headed back toward the group of locals who’d all turned to watch her. Did they know what was troubling Shadoa? If they did, not one of them had gotten up to try to assist. She couldn’t fault them. They’d already taken a big enough chance by attending school themselves. Getting caught encouraging another person’s child to do the same would be frowned upon and come with harsh punishment.

When she started again, she noticed one woman wasn’t looking at the chalkboard. Her head was tilted down toward her hands that seemed to be trembling. Deanna didn’t want to draw attention to her; she could only assume her distress had to do with Shadoa. Is she your little girl?

Deanna wished she could throw everything down, hug the woman, and tell her it would be okay. It was one lie she couldn’t bring herself to say and one the women of Moreira would never believe. They lived in a reality Deanna couldn’t understand but could empathize with. Her heart broke knowing all she could do was this small piece, teaching them to read and write, and hope that someday things might change for them.

The problem was a generational one. And even Shadoa’s generation, although better than the one before it, was far from being able to be their own persons. Maybe her grandchildren will reap the benefits of us being here. A heaviness filled her heart as she recalled how the men had butchered all her friends and co-volunteers that day. The lengths they would go to in order to prevent change were intense, but Deanne refused to believe the women were destined for this life forever.

She had no idea how she’d made it through the lesson without breaking down. Maybe it was because she’d done all the speaking and no one asked any questions. That wasn’t uncommon. Although they understood what was said, it was usually a one-way conversation. That’s why it was so refreshing when Shadoa had reached out to her. Even the small children kept to themselves. They came and went, but there were very few whose names were known, never mind spoken to.

As the group dispersed, Deanna sat down on a makeshift chair cut from a log. She leaned over and buried her face in her hands. She wished she could disappear for an hour or two. Be someplace where no one knew her. Where there are no expectations from anyone, including me.

“Are you all right?”

The voice startled her but sounded vaguely familiar. Lifting her head, she expected to find Rafe. Instead, she saw a stranger.

Deanna looked around and knew she hadn’t seen him there before. Panic began to fill her and she rose, ready to flee. To where was the problem. There wasn’t any place to hide, and she wasn’t going to be able to outrun him. He was at least Rafe’s height, if not a bit taller. He was dressed in black from head to toe, and it brought back memories of that horrendous night. Those men had been dressed in such a manner. Her pulse quickened, and her head spun. Losing focus or fainting would be the worst thing she could do.

Damn it. She’d left her only means of defense in her sleeping bag. That was a foolish mistake. One she hoped wouldn’t cost her life. Her mind raced. She looked around quickly, hoping to find a branch or stick, anything she could use to defend herself if the need arose.

There was one lying only a few feet away from her. If she could make it there, she might be able to hit him hard enough to gain a head start. The scene played out quickly in her mind. Grab the stick, aim for his knees, take one out, and run like heck.

As she took a step to head in that direction, her foot caught on a stone, causing her to stumble. Pain shot through her right ankle and up her leg. Deanna was thrown off balance as she tried to spin to take the pressure off her hurt foot. Before she could stop herself, she began falling backward. She tried to brace for the impact with her hands, but it was too late. Her backside hit the rocky ground, followed shortly by her head. She heard the echo in her ears, then nothing.