Page 7 of Devlin

His opening words snagged her attention. Not because they were unusual but because having visitors come into the camp was an almost daily occurrence. Journalists, volunteers, mission groups from all over the world, representatives from the variousorganizations that helped organize and fund the camps, and even the occasional celebrity who, whether led by a drive to do good deeds or needing publicity, would come by with their PR team.

Now curious, she gave Dr. München her full attention.

"We have two members of the World Health Organization who will be working with Dr. Harper. They're bringing vaccines and will use her staff and some refugee volunteers to help us start with the children first."

Elaine was smiling, and Mia was glad for the medication to arrive.

"There will be two mission groups arriving—one has fifteen people, the other has twenty-three. All adults. They will be checking in with Moses, and I understand that they will be helping in education, the clinic, and food distribution."

Dr. München had already informed her that some volunteers would be coming to help at the various villages for food distribution during mealtime and work with some of the families for food preparation. She had directed her staff to expect them.

He looked around the table and noted, "If you are finished eating, we have a few more items to go over, but we will do those in our staff conference room.”

Swallowing the last bite of toast and finishing her coffee in a single, satisfying slurp, Mia handed her tray to one of the kitchen staff with a quick smile of thanks. The leaders moved together as a group, their footsteps kicking up small clouds of dust along the sunbaked path.

The main admin building was a modest two-story structure that stood as a center of activity amid the sprawling refugee camp. Its simple, utilitarian design housed several offices and a central conference room. While some lead officers claimed small offices within, Mia preferred her workspace near the large food storage facility. It was practical, close to her team, and allowedher to keep a watchful eye on operations. They settled into familiar positions around the long table.

“We have at least two oversight visits scheduled in the coming weeks,” Dr. München began, his manner unflappable as usual.

Mia’s pulse quickened. She couldn’t help but wonder if her email to Margarethe had set these wheels in motion.

“The Red Cross will be visiting,” Dr. München continued, “evaluating the nurses and doctors in the clinic. Elaine’s team is already prepared.”

“Oh, lucky you,” Charlie quipped, his grin teasing.

Elaine gave a casual shrug. “It’s to be expected. Nothing we aren’t ready for.”

Dr. München’s gaze shifted down the table to Mia. “We also have someone coming from the World Food Program,” he said. “Margarethe Gunther will be leading her team. She’s familiar with our work here. Mia, I trust everything is in order?”

Mia nodded, her tone calm as she replied, “She’s my supervisor in the WFP. I’ve worked with Margarethe before. This shouldn’t be anything new.”

“Good. I understand she’ll be focusing on inventory and distribution.”

“My staff will be ready,” Mia assured him, keeping her expression neutral even as relief coursed through her. Margarethe’s brief email, a single word—“acknowledged”—now made sense. Her supervisor had opted to address the issue in person, bringing reinforcements. If Margarethe’s team included investigators, Mia’s hope for uncovering the thefts rose considerably.

As Dr. München delved into further details, Mia’s attention wavered, her thoughts drifting to the people around the table. Each leader played a crucial role in the camp’s delicateecosystem, and under Dr. München's guidance, the camp operated with remarkable efficiency.

Elaine, the no-nonsense British physician, worked tirelessly to ensure the clinic ran smoothly. Ravi, the WASH coordinator from India, maintained the camp’s water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, a vital shield against disease. Robert, the Canadian logistics officer, kept the supply chain humming, managing everything from food to emergency provisions with precision.

Percy, another Brit with a self-deprecating sense of humor, headed the refugee children’s educational programs. Elizabeth and Mark oversaw agricultural and economic initiatives. Mia’s team occasionally collaborated with theirs on farming projects. Moses, the camp’s Ugandan security officer, was a towering figure both in stature and presence. His leadership kept order in an environment that could easily descend into chaos without firm but compassionate oversight.

Then there was Ritah, the protection officer and a close friend. Ritah’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable groups—women, children, and the elderly—was unparalleled. Her warmth and resilience inspired everyone around her.

And finally, Charlie, the irrepressible information officer. His knack for data collection and resource management made him invaluable. Mia had mentioned her concerns to him but no one else. In hindsight, even that felt risky.

She refocused as Dr. München wrapped up the meeting, his authoritative voice grounding her wandering thoughts. Margarethe’s arrival loomed large in her mind, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

When the meeting concluded, the group dispersed, each leader heading toward their respective responsibilities. Stepping back into the relentless heat of the day, Mia felt the familiar press of time. The demands of the camp were unyielding, andthe hours ahead would be as challenging as ever. Yet beneath the strain, a spark of determination pushed her forward.

Mia waved as Elaine headed into the medical building, then continued down the lane toward her office. Across the road stood the warehouse for other supplies, and she caught sight of Robert disappearing inside.

“What’s on your agenda today?” Ravi asked, falling into step beside her.

“I thought I’d continue with inventory,” Mia replied.

“Doesn’t Farid handle most of the inventory?” he asked.

“I thought I’d give him a hand today,” she said lightly, steering the conversation away from herself. “What about you?”

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