Kendra tensed. “Uneasy? Does that mean bad?”
“Sometimes. But Bruce has always been a loner, and he doesn’t tend to take chances. He’d let me know if this lead would affect the job or your safety. He knows Fitz wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I’m glad you feel like that,” she said dryly. “Though personally, I have a distinct dislike for the worduneasy. It makes me a bit nervous. Which is first cousin to the worduneasy.”
“Would you like me to call Fitz and tell him you’re unhappy with us?”
“I’m not unhappy . . . yet. I believe you truly want the best for us and are trying to get it. I just want to be certain you’re paying attention to all the nuances that are floating around.”
“I’m paying a good deal of attention,” Dunne said soberly, “and will continue to do so. You’re correct that I want the best for all of us.” He smiled. “Now, may I get you and your friend a cup of coffee?”
“That would be an excellent idea.” She turned and crossed to where Jessie was sitting by the fire. “It seems Bruce is a little edgy and he’s following some kind of lead. Dunne assures me that there’s little or no reason to be concerned.”
“But you are anyway?”
“Enough to make me not sleep too soundly.” She lifted her shoulder in a half shrug. “But that’s the way I live my life these days. It may be fine.”
“Well, you’ve put Dunne on the alert. You won’t be the only one not sleeping.”
“And evidently neither will Bruce,” Kendra said. “And he’s the one who started all this bother.” She took her cup of coffee from Dunne and gave one to Jessie. She lifted her cup in a smalltoast. “I guess we’ll see what tomorrow brings . . . But since sleep appears to be questionable, want to play a couple hands of poker?”
Jessie chuckled. “Hell, no. I learned my lesson the last time. Two cups of coffee and then we’re going to our tents and try to snooze. Got that?”
Kendra nodded. “Sure. Loud and clear. I can’t tell you how eager I am to face that cave you so dread tomorrow. But I think one cup is enough for me.” She got to her feet and headed for her tent. “I’ll get a little air and then head for bed.”
Jessie frowned. “You okay? Want company?”
“Nah, I’m fine. Maybe a little more tired than I thought. But that will only make me sleep better. I’ll probably doze right off . . .”
But when she reached her tent, she didn’t go right to sleep. She lay awake for another two hours, and when she did sleep, it was light and broken.
Which was probably why she heard the sound of the helicopter engine when the aircraft was still far, far away from the camp.
She sat bolt-upright on her bed.
Only a dream. No, a nightmare.
Definitely a nightmare.
She jumped to her feet and ran to the tent flap and threw it open.
She could hear the helicopter more clearly now, though it was still distant. But it was definitely coming in this direction.
She darted the few yards to Jessie’s tent and threw open the flap. “Get up! I think we’ve got company. I’ll go wake Dunne.”
“Shit!” Jessie was jumping out of her sleeping bag. “I’ll be right with you.”
But Kendra didn’t have to wake Dunne. He was already standing by the embers of the fire and talking on his phone, his expression grim.
“You’re awake,” he said as he looked up from his call. “Good! We may have to move out of here. Just before I heard that helicopter I got a call from Bruce. There’s an armed force of some sort moving into the hills on the highway from the north and heading in his direction. He said I should be aware of a possible need to evacuate you and Jessie ASAP. But then his damn phone cut out.” He was cursing as he redialed. “I thought I heard a shot . . . Bruce isn’t answering.” He dialed again. “Still no answer. I’ll keep trying. Grab your belongings and jump in my truck. I’ll be right with you.”
Kendra was already grabbing her jacket and backpack. “If they’re coming from the north, we’d be sitting ducks trying to get away by truck on any of these highways. We’ll be safer on Jessie’s motorcycle, where we can go off road and dodge around in the hills if necessary.”
“Don’t be difficult.” Dunne was still trying to get through to Bruce. “Fitz gave us orders to keep you safe. You know you should go with me. As soon as I finish talking to Bruce, we’ll take off.”
“No way,” Jessie said as she ran toward the trees where they’d parked the motorcycle. “Let’s get going, Kendra.”
“Sorry, Dunne.” Kendra was striding after her. “But that helicopter is getting closer now, and it sounds different from the one Cambry rented. This may be someone else entirely. If you can’t get through to Bruce, call Fitz and report to him. Your buddy Bruce may be needing help.” She had a terrible feeling that he was beyond help. “Tell Fitz I’ll try to contact him andgive him a location when we think it’s safe.” She jumped on the back of the motorcycle. “Stay safe, Dunne.”
