WAR: Intrusion by Vanessa Kier Read Free Book Online Page B

assignment at a hospital where her surgical skills would be best put to work by treating victims of the rebels. “I couldn’t turn my back on the villagers,” she added. “I cared too much.”
    Suddenly self-conscious under MacKay’s continued scrutiny, she shrugged. “There are three large villages nearby, and four more within a decent walk of the clinic. After word of the vandalism got out, we had a huge outpouring of support. People brought everything from spare beds to extra band-aids we’d given them, in hopes of helping the clinic get back up and running as soon as possible. I was working with the tribal chief on a plan for a fundraiser when Mr. Natchaba offered me the loan.”
    “Mighty generous.”
    “I don’t understand why you’re so suspicious. As I said yesterday, I helped Mr. Natchaba’s wife through a difficult childbirth. He’s not around much, but after his son’s birth he’d periodically drop in to see if we needed any assistance. He also supports the local schools, and as you saw, he’s donated all those MP3 players to be given to the children tomorrow.”
    “So your plan was to use the loan money to restore the clinic to its previous condition and pretend as if nothing had happened.”
    “Yes.”
    “Did it never occur to you that if the clinic was targeted once, it might be targeted again? And that an investor deserved to know that fact ahead of time?”
    Shame snaked through her. “Yes. But it wasn’t my call. I cleared the loan with my boss, Gloria, and she told me to stay silent. My job was to oversee the restoration. Which I’ve been doing. And…well…” She shrugged. “Our security is tighter now. We have the night watchman, plus the enhanced doors and improved security bars on the windows. Really, I think it was just a gang of thieves making a fast pass through the region. They thought they could score some quick drugs, then stole everything else when they failed to find our medicines. I doubt whoever it is will be back.”
    “You’re either the most delusional woman I’ve ever met, or the most naïve.”
    DR . KIRK’S CHEEKS flushed an enticing shade of pink at his statement.
    “What gives you the right to make such a judgment?” she demanded.
    “Doctor, this area might be close to the border, but the dirt road between your clinic and the main north-south road is in poor condition. Thieves randomly hitting targets would look for a place closer to that road with a faster escape route. They’d snatch whatever was easiest to carry and be in and out within minutes. Carting away the furniture and removing the wiring took planning, time, and a large lorry.” He shot her a questioning glance. “No one saw or heard anything?”
    She shook her head. “A few people claim to have heard the truck, but assumed it was some special delivery for the clinic.”
    “Really? You’re certain the villagers weren’t involved?”
    “What? Didn’t you hear anything I said? They desperately need the medical care we provide.”
    “Maybe they needed the money more.”
    “No. I…” She shook her head again. “I know these people. They wouldn’t do that.”
    “If you say so.” He let skepticism creep into his voice, although he happened to agree with her.
    “I still think is has to be a gang of thieves,” Dr. Kirk said. “Because honestly, who else would do this? There’s been no rebel activity within a hundred miles of here.”
    “That you’re aware of.”
    She shot him a glance full of alarm. “Are you saying the rebels are closer than that?”
    “No. But new groups form every day.” Which caused no end of headaches for WAR. It seemed no sooner did one of WAR’s teams take down a rebel group than two more sprang up. “My guess is that a fledgling group desperate both for startup cash and to prove themselves loyal to the rebels’ anti-foreigner rhetoric decided to use your clinic as their first demonstration of power. They probably didn’t count on Natchaba giving you