Page 28 of SEAL's Temptation

Bajo Chiquito was vastly different than sunny California.The sterile hospital environment she was familiar with was no comparison to the harsh, brutal realities of the jungle.The patients she’d seen stateside generally had access to medical care their entire lives.They had the necessary vaccinations, nutrition, fresh water, and opportunities to receive medicine and healthcare.

The stark difference here, although not a surprise, was nonetheless devastating to witness.

Many of the children were malnourished, suffering from various ailments or tropical diseases.Even those who were otherwise healthy were sometimes in shock from the trauma of being uprooted and moved through multiple countries with little more than the clothes on their back.They’d witnessed violence.Horror.The worst of humanity.And they hadn’t even reached their destination yet.

Avery was grateful her nursing staff could treat a large amount of patients daily, but those healthy and strong enough to continue onward did exactly that, desperate for their goal to reach the United States.She wouldn’t turn their desperation into a political argument.She was a healthcare provider, and she’d sworn an oath to help and provide medical care to others.Being a pediatric nurse was her calling, and if she could provide much-needed help to those without anything and utilize her management skills in an area of the world that so desperately needed it, she would.

Her roommate, Luciana, glanced over at her, moving to walk at her side.Her long, dark hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and her eyes were sharp and assessing this morning.“The area seems too restless today,” she commented quietly in English.

Avery’s gaze swept to the vast array of tents pitched on the outskirts of town.Families stopped here to rest, sometimes seeking medical care before continuing their trek north.“That one group of young men was causing problems yesterday,” Avery noted, hoping they’d already moved along.

“They’re not good for the families here,” Luciana agreed.“Nothing but trouble, those boys.”

Avery didn’t respond.The pack of teenagers had needed to fend for themselves to get this far north.They stuck together and didn’t seem to appreciate the village’s law and order.They’d cornered a young girl yesterday outside a shop in Bajo Chiquito, either intentionally or not.They were so caught up in their own argument, they hadn’t let the girl pass by, and she’d been trapped against the wall.It had caused quite a stir amongst the temporary settlement and greater village itself.The locals wanted the teenagers to move on.If they weren’t willing to follow the rules and respect order within the settlement, they needed to go.The village already had enough concerns with the dangerous cartels nearby, and teenage boys who thought of only themselves needed to let the families and locals be as they were.

“I saw them again after the scuffle.No one is happy they were here.”

Avery looked over at her roommate.“I haven’t seen them this morning.Maybe the others know if they’ve left already.”

“Si.It is best if they are gone.”

Avery watched a woman chase after her toddler near the outskirts of the tents, a baby strapped to her chest.The woman looked exhausted, and Avery could hardly begin to imagine how hard her journey had been.She’d seen all sorts of devastation during her first month here.Pregnant mothers.Sick babies.Fathers with fear in their eyes.There were many women who’d been beaten and raped.They’d endured the unthinkable, and medical staff did what they could to provide care.

It made her stomach churn to even think that everyday more women and girls were enduring unspeakable horrors in the jungle.

The heat in the Darien Gap was already sweltering despite the early hour, and she swatted at a mosquito buzzing around her head.The humid and rainy environment was home to all types of infectious, tropical diseases.She’d had all the required vaccinations to take the position here and doused herself in mosquito repellent every day.The living conditions were harsh, however, but she knew she had it infinitely better than the patients she treated.

“Looks like the doctors are here early,” Luciana commented.

The mid-thirties, American doctor who worked at Bajo Chiquito with them was an arrogant, know-it-all, white male.He had little bedside manner, and more than once, Avery wondered what had instilled him to take this position.The doctors she’d worked with in the past while she was on assignment in a volunteer capacity were humble, caring people.Giving.He was abrupt, demanding, and less-than-patient when giving orders.

Luciana didn’t like him because he’d hit on her on several different occasions.His interest in her was ill-received, and Avery got the impression he thought the local nurses should be flattered by his authority and attention.

The reality was far from that.

While Avery had noticed him watching her as well, she’d mentioned Ryan’s name on multiple occasions so he’d know she wasn’t available.He’d eased off, but Avery still wasn’t fond of the man.She didn’t know the second doctor as well as he was constantly busy, seeing as many patients as he could.

“I didn’t see Dr.Walters at breakfast,” Avery noted, watching several of the other nurses file into another tent.They’d set up to see patients in a triage type of area.Avery and Luciana would be focused on preventative medical care today, vaccinating children and any others who needed it.

“No big loss,” Luciana said dryly.“I caught him following us the other day after dinner.When he saw us watching, he quickly turned around and headed another way.”

“He’s single,” Avery told her.“He’s mentioned that more than once to me.He certainly came to the wrong place if he’s hoping to hook up with the nurses every night.”

Luciana scowled.“Men like him are trouble.He arrived only days before you did, and I wish he’d hop on the first plane back to the States.”

Avery huffed out a laugh.“His assignment is a year-long one like mine.”

“How unfortunate for us.”

Avery didn’t disagree.She’d dealt with plenty of overly flirtatious doctors back in the hospital in L.A.They’d hit on her because she was young, blonde, and single.Some of them were even married with families but figured since she was on long shifts at the same time as them, she might want to hook up.

It happened between other hospital employees, no doubt, but she took no part in any such thing.

The two women walked into the tent, the dimness inside a sharp contrast and welcome relief to the bright morning glare of the sun.

“Good morning.We’ve got a lot to do today,” Dr.Walters said as he looked over at them, rubbing his hands together.“A large group with young children came through in the early morning hours.I’d like to get them examined and vaccinated before they continue north.”

Luciana nodded.“Do we have an estimate on numbers?”

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