Devlon reached for his communicator. “Where did the explosives go off? I’ll be right there. Make sure the others secure the area. Has Lt. Estro arrived with the modified computers? Start using them to look for more explosives.” He ended communications and faced her.
“You won’t stay here even if I asked you to?”
“Nope.”
*****
They exited her subcar and Heather looked at her frightened people trying to send them a smile to ease their tension. Two of Devlon’s men rushed forward to report. She stood next to him listening.
“The improvements in the other end of the tunnel collapsed, it was most likely explosives.”
“Anyone hurt?”
“No sir. Lt. Estro is using his scanner to check for more explosives.”
“Very good. Spread out and cover the area carefully.”
“Heather, I’m going to go check on Kyle in the tunnels. I don’t want him there alone.”
“I’ll go with you,” she offered.
Devlon shook his head. “Your people need you to be here. Seeing you here strong and confident will reassure them that everything will be okay. Will you be okay if I leave?”
She knew he was right, but she didn’t want to be separated. She acknowledged his point. “You’re right, this is where I need to be. I’ll be fine, go. Just be careful. This attack may be aimed at me and the other tribe leaders, but they won’t hesitate to take a shot at getting you.” She watched him walk off toward the smoking tunnel with a sense of dread.
