Page 57 of Sweet Betrayal

Their location was a narrow double-story house in much the same state of disrepair as most of the other residences in town.

He knocked, and they waited.

Jamal opened the door a crack, and they passed through. He thumped Tom on the back. “I’m glad you made it, brother.”

He gave a nod. “Likewise.”

“You sure you weren’t followed?”

Tom shook his head. “Lost them several clicks back.” He’d made sure of that, taking a roundabout route and doubling backtwice. Not that any soldier who valued his life would follow them this deep into rebel-held territory.

He led them into the sparse living area. “Good. This is one of our safe houses. We can rest up here for a while.”

Tom noticed the bloody bandage tied around Jamal’s upper arm. “You’re injured?”

Jamal waved it off. “Just a graze. The important thing is we made it. Our plan worked.” He lowered his voice so Hannah couldn’t overhear. “Now we can join Abu-al-Rashid and his army and prepare for the imminent attack.”

“I wish you luck.” Tom cast a glance at Hannah. She stood at a respectful distance, letting them talk.

“You can use the spare room,” Jamal said, nodding down a narrow hallway. “I can only spare the one.”

“We’re just grateful to have a place to sleep,” Tom said with a grateful nod. Jamal had put himself out enough for them.

“Stay as long as you need.”

“Thanks, but we’ll be heading off first thing.” He nodded in Hannah’s direction. “We don’t have much time.”

“You’ll need transport,” said Jamal, matter-of-factly. He was a strategist, first and foremost. Tom remembered that about him. Always the man with a plan. That’s how he’d known to come to him for help.

He pulled out a map and placed it on the scratched coffee table. Tom beckoned for Hannah to come over. “It’s at least another ten miles,” he told her.

She gave a nod, but he saw the weariness on her face. She was done in.

“Why don’t you get some rest?”

“What are you going to do?” She was spooked too, he could tell. To be fair, the events of the day would freak the most stoic civilian the hell out. She’d done well to get this far.

“I’ll be right here,” he said, forcing a smile.

Jamal glanced between the two of them, a knowing look on his face.

Tom ignored him. “It’s okay. We’re safe here.”

She gave a tremulous nod, then disappeared down the hall.

“Don’t—” he warned, as Jamal opened his mouth.

His buddy laughed. “I was just going to say I’ll see if I can arrange some transport for you.” He patted Tom on the shoulder. “Rest up, my friend. I think she would feel better if you were with her. We’ll talk again later.”

He was about to argue, then noticed Jamal rubbing his arm. “Okay, you get that seen to before it gets worse.”

Jamal gave a half nod. “On it.”

He foundHannah sitting on a mattress on the floor, her back to the wall and her knees pulled to her chest. She swiped at her eyes as he walked in. “I’m not crying,” she said, with a sniff.

His lips quirked. “Didn’t say you were.”

She might be disheveled and exhausted, but she hadn’t lost her spark. That was something, at least.

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