Or where Ashley is. The person I was supposed to be protecting.
The not good list is longer than I like, which means I need to cross a few off.
I crack open my eyes enough that I can peek through my lashes. Aside from the dirt floor against my cheek, I can’t see much in the gloom.
The drum of rain on the tin roof makes me think I’m in a house, or a shed.
I can’t hear the usual sounds that people make when they think they’re being quiet. There’s no scratching or fiddling with clothes or weapons. I think I’m unguarded.
Putting something on the good list feels like a win, and I’ll take it. I open my eyes. Definitely a shed and there are no windows. The only light getting in is through cracks in the wood. The scent of jungle and sweat and blood fills the air.
Slowly, I lift my head to confirm that I’m unguarded.
I am. And I’m not alone.
“Ashley,” I whisper, hoping that I’m being loud enough to wake her.
I’m not sure what the fuck happened back there, but I was not their target. She was. And it’s not because she was the star of the show when I jerked one out in the shower this morning.
The only thing that matters around here are emeralds.
And while lots of people know what to look for, she knows how to find the seam. As the geologist on site, she’s the reason the miners aren’t digging and praying for a lucky strike.
Someone knew we’d be on the road.
That someone had called her out to one of the other sites.
And the driver was in on it.
Whatever is going on, I need to let the rest of the security team know. Which I can’t do while tied up in the shed.
My attempt to worm over to her ends on the first wriggle as fire lights up the left side of my body. I bite back on the curse and take a couple of fast breaths, as if I can exhale the pain from the bullet wound.
I wish.
As tempting as it is to glance down and see how much of a mess I’m making, I don’t, because it won’t do any good.
“Psst.” When she doesn’t move, I tap my boots together. They didn’t take my boots. Another win, as maybe my knife is still tucked inside.
Ashley groans. Her hands are tied in front, and her feet are unbound. They don’t think she’s a threat, or they need her to walk. I’m hoping that’s the only reason.
“Stay quiet.” I’m trying to keep my voice low enough that it won’t be heard over the rain and loud enough that she’ll be able to hear. I don’t know how successful I am.
She moves her hands and I can tell the moment she realizes we’re in the shit from the way she gasps and sits up, as if being upright and alert will help. Her head turns toward me. “Where are we?”
I press my lips together.Does it look as though I’ve gone and done some recon?
“The militia captured us.” If it was friendlies we’d be in hospital.
She nods. “Why?”
Because we work for the mining company that has all the government approvals to mine the area and they were doing it illegally before us? That’s my guess. Not everyone is happy, despite the better wages and all the community feel good stuff the company does. Some people want to go back to risking their life to find the big life changing stone.
“Probably to force you to help them. Can you come over?”
Because I’m not going anywhere. Not that I want her to see that I’m hurt. Got to stay positive if we want to get out of this.
Ashely crawls over to me.
