Chapter 430
[ 480 words ]
Chapter 430:
K.C. met her eyes squarely, his expression schooled into professional composure. “Ma’am, the situation is still developing. The unit is consolidating its position and assessing the damage. We’ll have more information at first light.”
It sounded logical. It sounded like standard military procedure. His posture was relaxed, his tone even. A model soldier delivering a standard briefing.
But something was wrong. Caroline had known K.C. Bell long enough to recognize the subtle shift in his bearing—the way his eyes flicked away from hers for just a fraction of a second, the way his answer was a little too rehearsed, a little too smooth. A good soldier delivering a bad lie.
“Consolidating its position,” she repeated, her voice sharp with disbelief. “That’s not an answer. Is Jarrod already in the field? Has his unit been deployed into the valley?”
K.C.’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Ma’am, I can’t discuss operational details. The Colonel’s orders are to ensure the safety of all non-combatant personnel arriving with the relief effort. You’ll be briefed when there’s something to report.”
Addi𝘤ti𝘷𝖾 ѕ𝘁𝗈𝗿𝗂𝘦ѕ oո g𝘢𝗹𝘯𝘰𝘃𝘦𝘭𝘀.𝖼o𝗺
Her heart sank. K.C. was deflecting. He was buying time. And if he was buying time, it meant Jarrod was already in danger—already somewhere in that ruined valley, out of reach, and K.C. had been ordered to keep her here. To keep her safe. To keep her away from him.
After K.C.’s announcement, a wave of relief washed over most of the medical team. They were exhausted from the flight, and the prospect of a night’s rest before facing the horrors of the disaster zone was welcome. They began to collect their gear and find their assigned tents.
Julian approached Caroline, his voice low and reasonable. “He’s probably right, you know. We’re not soldiers. Rushing in without a plan would just make us a liability.”
She didn’t answer him. Her eyes were scanning the base, ignoring the people and focusing on the machinery. She watched the movement of the Humvees, the loading of supplies, the quiet, efficient activity of the soldiers. It didn’t look like an army settling in for the night. It looked like an army preparing for an assault.
K.C. escorted her and Brenna to a canvas tent, pointing out the cots inside. “Get some rest, ma’am,” he said again, his voice steady. “You’ll need it.”
He turned and walked away.
Miles away, in the heart of the ruins, Jarrod’s voice crackled over a secure channel. “Is she there? What’s her status?”
K.C. stood by a communications truck, his back to Caroline’s tent. “Yes, sir. She’s here. She’s… very worried about you. I’ve informed her of the ‘delay,’ per your instructions.”
A burst of static, then Jarrod’s voice, weary but hard as granite. “Good. Keep her there. Under no circumstances is she to get anywhere near Zone A. It’s unstable. The aftershocks are constant. It’s too dangerous.”
“Understood, sir,” K.C. said. He ended the transmission, a heavy weight of guilt settling in his stomach.
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