“Interesting,” Taco said quietly as they watched the man return to his group. From the outside, he seemed to stand apart from the others.
They returned to their quarters, and Leo gave instructions.
“We’ll head to the mess hall,” he said. “Patch will keep watch. My visitor may try to use this as an opportunity to visit us.”
The men walked together to get some chow. They took their time eating and made small talk, keeping their ears open for any intel.
When they returned, Patch left to get some food while Leo sat on his cot. He ached to call Catherine and check on the kids, but they agreed to limit their calls.
He lay back and held his stomach, letting out a long-winded fart. Serenity Mountain spoiled him. Between Ty’s cooking, Tess’ tacos, Bryanna’s desserts, and the grans’ cooking, mess hall food tasted like crap. Even his stomach disagreed as it rumbled, and he passed more gas.
Saint entered and immediately backed out. “Geeeez, Leo. What the hell did you eat?”
“I don’t know, but my stomach’s upset. Did Patch bring anything?”
“He’s still at the mess hall. I doubt he’ll have anything for that. You need a surgeon,” Saint said, shaking his head. “When do we leave?”
“We’ll follow them at zero eight hundred. You and I will take the first shift in case our visitor arrives. Then Knight and Hollywood can take the second half. Taco’s already bitching about his pores. I may give him the entire night shift tomorrow. Then, he’ll be too tired to complain.”
Saint chuckled. “How long do you plan to stay on base?”
“After the first convoy, we’ll be in Cole’s territory. He’ll pay a friendly visit to the training facility,” Leo said. “From there, we’ll accompany the convoys, but we won’t stay with them.” He held his stomach and made a face as he let one rip.
Saint backed up and held his shirt over his nose. A second later, he drew his gun.
Leo jumped up and aimed his weapon.
“Come out, slowly,” Saint growled.
“Don’t shoot. It’s only me,” Sergeant Taylor whispered. “It’s bad enough I’ve suffered the gassing. You really need to have that checked.”
“Do you have a death wish?” Leo exclaimed. “How long have you stayed under my bed?”
“Long enough to know you have a serious medical condition. I snuck in when Patch stopped to investigate something,” she replied.
Leo narrowed his eyes. “Maybe we need to take you to the higher-ups and ask them if they always plant sergeants under private contractor beds.”
“If you give me time to explain, I’ll tell you why I came. I told you I planned to visit you,” she replied, standing up and showing no fear as she faced the men. She barely made it to their chests.
“Colonel Rutherford knew someone caught on to him. They assigned me to him eight months ago to finish out my time. I’ve seen things, heard things. He gave you the leads. No one thinks twice about a woman sitting at the bar when they get drunk.”
Saint peered at Leo, letting him take the lead.
“Why don’t you go to your command if you suspect something?” Leo asked. “What makes you think we’re doing anything other than fixing the weapons?”
“Because the last few days, Colonel Rutherford has made several calls to you. I stole his personal phone before they took his body. I know how to use a computer,” she said defensively.
“Wait a minute,” Leo said, sitting back on the bed. “Do you have it with you now?”
“Do I appear stupid? It’s hidden in a safe place. I don’t have much time. Do you want my help or not?” she demanded.
Saint gave her a menacing stare, and Sergeant Taylor stubbornly crossed her arms and met his gaze. Leo rubbed his forehead.
“Let me see the phone,” Leo said, his tone turning into a command.
“I want reassurances, or you can kiss my ass,” she responded.
Leo glanced at Saint, who leaned against the door.
