tapped his fork against his glass. “Okay, listen up. Here’s the plan for the next couple of days.”
Everyone quieted.
“We’ll be going to two outlying villages that are farther away from here than we normally go. Because of this, we’ll have more armed guards than usual. Security will be extra-tight. We’ll be in drug-trafficker country. They shouldn’t bother us unless we give them a reason. And we’ll be making every effort not to do that.”
Ellen’s newfound freedom shook a little. They were going to spend the night in the jungle? This was more than she’d expected when she’d decided to come to Honduras. She looked at Chance again. Everything was more than she’d expected.
“Is there a problem, Ellen?”
“No, sir.”
His eyes narrowed at the use of sir. “You’re welcome to stay here if you’re not comfortable.” His blue gaze bored into her. Daring her.
Was he trying get her to stay here? “No. I’m good. I wouldn’t miss it.”
His look moved to Peter and then Karen. They both nodded.
“Good. There has been some trouble with the local traders and we need to be very careful about every move we make. Don’t ask any questions of the patients that aren’t medical.” He looked at her. “Don’t leave the clinic area unescorted for any reason. My priority is everyone’s safety. Take no chances. Pack for a two-night stay. Enjoy the comforts of home tonight because we’ll be sleeping in the trucks or on the ground for the next couple of nights. Any questions?”
Ellen listened as the others talked and made comments about the plans. She couldn’t decide if she was excited or terrified. Either way, this was the type of work she’d come to Honduras to do and she would do it without complaint.
“Pack light but be sure to have your long pants and long-sleeved shirts, hat and boots. Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen.” He looked at her. “This won’t be a picnic. So be prepared.”
He acted as if she had been complaining. Not once, to her knowledge, had she not risen to expectations. If she hadn’t been sure she could do it she hadn’t let on and had forged ahead. She was tired of trying to prove herself to him.
The next day consisted of a long drive into the interior of the country. Ellen had been told by Michael that the people they would be seeing had only seen a doctor a few times. She was looking forward to helping them.
She’d kept her distance from Chance whenever she could. Disgusted with him for not facing the fact that he cared for her, she was also furious at herself for letting it matter. She was slowly accepting he was right. If they had a relationship and it went bad, she didn’t think she could continue to work here. She would have to look elsewhere for a clinic. But would she like the country and the people as much as she loved this one? It would be better if they just remained professionals. But could she face Chance every day without her feelings showing?
They arrived at the village where they were to work by midafternoon. Before they had finished setting up people were waiting. Again, Ellen worked primarily with Michael, only occasionally swapping to help Chance. At those times they were almost too formal in their interactions. A couple of times the others gave them strange looks or knowing smiles. Would it be worse if they were together?
As the day ended, Marco and his men set up a food table. There were double the number of helpers, with two of them stationed on the perimeter of the area with rifles. Folding chairs were placed at the table so that everyone could sit in comfort to eat.
Growing up in New York City, Ellen hadn’t had a chance to do any real camping. She’d attended summer camp but there had been beds with mattresses and running water. This was going to be rough camping and she was rather looking forward to the new adventure after the initial shock. The most interesting aspect so far was the tent structure with covered sides that had been set up as a bathroom area.
While they were eating Chance announced, “Ladies, you may have first turn in the bathroom. You’ll find your sleeping bags in the back of the truck. Don’t forget to pull the mosquito netting over you when you go to sleep. Marco’s men will be keeping watch tonight. Don’t get up and wander around. Get some sleep. We’ll start early tomorrow.”
Ellen and Karen headed straight to the bathing area after dinner. They were allowed nothing more than a sponge bath but that was better than nothing. They changed into clean work clothes, which they would sleep in. Ellen left her bra off for ease of sleeping and planned to slip it on before anyone noticed in the morning. When she and Karen stepped out of the tent the men were already lined up, waiting to get in. Ellen pulled her towel up against her chest to cover the fact she was braless.
Chance was at the end of the line but she didn’t met his gaze as she passed him.
There was a lantern burning in the truck and her and Karen’s sleeping bags were already rolled out on the benches across from each other, their nets hanging from the side rails of the truck.
“I’ve always loved camping out,” Karen said as she slipped into her bag.
“This is a first for me.”
“Really? And no complaints. I like that about you. Always a good sport.”
“Thanks. I wish others thought that.” Ellen helped Karen adjust her net around her.
Karen lay back. “You really have a thing for Chance.”
“I’ve sure tried not to.” Ellen opened her bag.
“I’ve worked with many doctors but I’ve never seen one more dedicated than Chance. Sometimes people can’t see past their job.”
“I think most of it has to do with him thinking he needs to protect me.”
Karen harrumphed then murmured, “It’s more like the fact he has the hots for you that’s bothering him.”
He might but Chance had made it clear he wasn’t going to act on them.
Ellen settled into her bag, turned the lantern down and pulled the net around her. Lying back, she looked up at the stars. This was an amazing country. Even with the poverty, need and sometimes danger she’d be happy to live here forever.
Sometime during the night Ellen woke, needing to go to the restroom. After debating having to get out of the sleeping bag, climb down out of the truck and walk across the camping area to the bathroom tent, she decided she had no choice. Using her penlight and moving as quietly as possible, she made her way there.
She was returning to the truck when a figure loomed near her. A hand touched her arm. She jerked away.
“Shush. You’ll wake the whole camp.” Chance stood close enough that she could feel his breath against her cheek. “What’re you doing out here, wandering around? I’ve told you it isn’t safe.”
Ellen clenched her teeth. “I had to go to the restroom. Why should it matter to you anyway? You’ve made it clear you don’t care about me.”
Chance’s fingers wrapped around her
