Page 25 of Fighting for Family

“What do you think they want tonight?” Sparky called from inside the cave, where she pulled out MRE’s from her pack.

“It can’t be another update. We talked to them two days ago,” Knight surmised. “I hope it’s not about Gabby or Claire. What if they went into labor?” he asked, panicked.

“I doubt they’d schedule a meeting to tell you such news,” Sparky debated. “Maybe they found a lead.”

“I doubt it. We’ve combed this freaking place several times,” Ragu said, frustrated. “I hate to say it. Whoever took him doesn’t want anyone to know.”

“Then why not leave him somewhere? If he’s dead, it’s not as if he’d tell on them,” Knight suggested.

“Maybe they can’t risk it,” Sparky guessed. “Let’s think about the villagers closest to the site. They have two enemies on either side. If they admitted to hiding an American, it might be the ammunition the other two villages use to attack, claiming they aligned with the Americans.”

“We spoke with everyone in the village. They barely have enough supplies to keep themselves fed, much less keep Leo alive,” Ragu said sadly.

“With the recent raids, don’t you think they’d hide their necessities? It’s not as if it’s too hard. We’re doing it,” Sparky argued. “If their enemies attacked, they’d want to ensure no one would find their food and medical supplies.”

“We’ve kept them under watch,” Ragu played devil’s advocate. “Don’t you think we’d notice someone returning with a large amount of items?”

“I’m thinking like a woman. Obviously, we’ve watched them. Leo got shot close to their village. I wouldn’t have one person get things. I’d send several people, making it seem casual. It won’t seem suspicious then,” she reasoned.

Knight rose as Saint approached with wood in his arms and a gun in his hand.

“Maybe Sparky has a new idea,” Knight said. “It’s worth checking out.”

“Oh, yeah?” Saint said, glancing inside the cave.

“It’s only a guess,” Sparky insisted. “We exhausted all other leads.”

“What’s up?” Shadow asked as he entered the cave. “I swear if I have to endure another night of sand fleas, I’ll bomb this entire place.”

“You ain’t kidding,” Taco grimaced. “The damn things ate up my arm.”

“Did you remember the bug spray?” Sparky asked. “I have more if you need it. I feel bad you go out at all hours and I’m stuck in here until we move again.”

“Shut it, Sparky. Stop apologizing. You’re worth more to us than any sand flea. We’re sorry we have to leave you here. It’s too dangerous to take you out without your dog,” Shadow said harshly.

“I’ve given it some thought. What if I have Cole train a field K-9 for me? Hopefully, we won’t ever return to this hell hole. I can’t bring Ice. If Cole trained an attack dog, then you won’t need anyone staying with me. It’s one more body searching for Leo,” she suggested.

“When we get home, Sparky,” Cole said. “We’ll sit and talk about what you might need. We’ll have to work with Ice and the other K-9. How will you handle them at the facility?”

“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “Leo didn’t like me stuck in a box, and I’m about to crawl the walls. He was right. I didn’t know how much I needed all of you.”

“We feel the same way about you,” Saint replied, touching her shoulder. “I feel like shit for leaving you here.”

“Hey, don’t blame yourself. I returned on my own accord. You need my skills. It’s not fair for any of you to risk your life for me. I’ll do as I’m told because I want us all to leave here in one piece,” she said firmly.

“What’s your idea?” Saint asked, changing the subject.

“What if the villagers hid things in plain sight?” she asked. “If we saw them go one by one, maybe they each brought back something with them. If they have two enemy villages watching, it’ll seem like they’re going about their day.”

“Taco, you and Shadow return after breakfast. They won’t be moving for another two hours. We’ll trek to the top of the mountain and make the call. Sparky, I’m afraid I’m leaving you here. Ragu, you and Shadow will accompany me. The rest of you, get some chow. I’ll take watch when I return. Cole and Hollywood, eat and relieve Patch and Knight,” Saint ordered.

Shadow tossed Taco a small tin. “Put this on your arm. It’ll help with the bug bites. We don’t need you sick,” he said, gathering his pack.

“Thanks,” Taco murmured as Sparky handed him a wet cloth and a bucket.

“Wash first and then apply the salve,” she advised. “Then spray down,” she said, reaching for the can.

“Thanks,” he said again, taking the bug spray.