Page 16 of Shadow of Hope
The moon broke free, washing the area in pale light. Good for seeing what was going on. Bad for cover. He spun to the backside of a giant tree, thankful he also carried his backup weapon in an ankle holster.
Jamal stumbled out from behind Kari’s tent. Glanced around. Started across the campsite toward his tent.
Micha stepped out. “What are you up to, Jamal?”
He spun, his mouth hanging open. “Oh, hey, man. Had to take a leak and got turned around in the dark.”
Really?“That’s why we each brought a headlamp like the one on your head.”
“Didn’t turn it on. Thought I’d try it old school.” He grimaced. “You know. Like what would happen if I got stranded and didn’t have anything for light? Could I do it? Guess I got my answer.”
Micha wasn’t sure he bought this guy’s response, but he couldn’t prove he was up to no good.
The zipper on Kari’s tent rose.
Micha spun, hand to his sidearm.
She slipped out, knife in hand, her expression tight in a band of moonlight. “What’s going on?”
Jamal rubbed a hand over his face. “I got lost on my way back from the latrine.”
“He was behind your tent,” Micha stated plainly.
She shuddered and eyed Jamal. “What were you doing there?”
“I was coming back from the latrine, but the moon wasn’t out. Lost my way. When I saw the tent, I knew I was back. I was about to go to my tent when this guy came out from behind a tree.” Jamal tipped his head at Micha. “Maybe the real question is why is he skulking around the area?”
Ah, deflect the issue on Micha. A solid method to hide guilt.
“Not skulking,” Micha said and tried not to sound bothered at this guy’s insinuation. “I heard a noise and was keeping an eye out for the safety of my clients.”
“Well, your clients don’t have to worry about anything from me.” He yawned. “I’m gonna hit the hay again. See you at O dark thirty.” He chuckled and strode toward his tent.
Micha turned to Kari. “You look worried.”
“He was by my tent far too long for simply finding his way back.”
“So you knew he was there?”
“I heard him. He touched the fabric several times. On several sides. So he was circling the tent. Not sure why.” She lifted her knife. “Had this at the ready. I could’ve defended myself or cut a hole in my tent and escaped.”
He frowned. “I hate that you were put in that position. I won’t let it happen again.”
She planted a hand on a curvy hip. “How can you stop it?”
“I’ll be bedding down outside your tent.”
“You won’t get any sleep that way.”
“Don’t worry about me. Won’t be the first time I missed a little sleep.”
“It’s not necessary.” She lifted her chin. “Not at all.”
“It is for my peace of mind.” He held up a hand. “You won’t change my mind, so let’s move on.”
“Fine.” She didn’t sound happy about it. “I’m going to try to get more sleep.”
He took a few steps closer and lowered his voice in case anyone was listening. “You can’t keep avoiding telling me the truth about the message in your backpack.”
