Free Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris

members here.” Paige cleared her throat. Nothing she could say would change what this man was facing. Or ease the stark pain of his loss. “There is a reception center you need to go to and register yourself and your son. You’ll be given a document to prove that you’re a resident of the camp.” She studied the man’s sullen expression. He had nothing but the clothes on his back and probably hadn’t eaten much for days. “They’ll give you a food package with rice, beans, oil, and other things along with blankets and clothing if you need it.”
He started to turn away, then stopped. He motioned to her burnt arm, now medicated and wrapped with gaze. “You were injured?”
“I was burned during the second explosion, but it’s nothing.”
Samson’s eyes widened as realization struck. “When you were trying to save my son’s life — ”
“Your son’s life is what I’m worried about right now.” Paige brushed off his concern. Worrying about her own injury seemed trivial with the child’s life on the line.
“But you risked your life for him. A man in debt always dies the coward.”
Paige shook her head. “What does that mean?”
“That I am now in your debt. And no debt of mine has ever gone unpaid.”
Paige watched the broad-shouldered African step from the tent without another word. She was the one who was supposed to find answers to his problems. To bring hope to those who had lost everything. Yet she felt as if she’d done little for this man tonight. Even her attempt at spiritual encouragement had fallen flat.
She felt Asim’s forehead. No fever meant that so far they were in the clear from infection. But she also knew that everything could change in an instant.

TWELVE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 6:24 P.M.
KINGANI REFUGEE CAMP
Nick crossed the edge of the camp, the fatigue of the day threatening to overcome him. Dozens of tents lay scattered across the vast landscape as dusk settled in, reminding him that his own problems were small compared to those who had fled the horrors of the rebel attacks. The camp was supposed to be a place of refuge, but he’d seen enough tragedy to know that, sometimes, nowhere was really safe. He could only pray that the desperation didn’t turn into violence.
As he passed one of the guards who was paid to stop any unruly behavior before things got out of hand, he couldn’t help but wonder if their presence really deterred anyone intent on causing trouble. With the country in a recently declared state of emergency, adding the army to their limited security would have been the ideal solution. But life was rarely ideal here. Rapes and beatings inside the camp were common, and while possession of a gun might be rare, a bit of cash on the side could easily turn the heads of those willing to smuggle weapons for the rebels.
He entered the health clinic, praying Paige didn’t expect him to transport any more patients. Between a thunderstorm in the distance and the unlit runway of the camp, another takeoff simply wasn’t an option. Hopefully, the planeload of medical supplies he’d managed to bring — along with the dinner he’d grabbed for her — would be enough for tonight.
From the far end of the tent Paige caught his gaze and waved. “Hey. You made it back.”
He strode past the long line of beds, surprised at how glad he was to see her — and how relieved he was that she was okay. “I’m not sure who you’re more happy to see. Me, or the supplies I promised.”
“How about both?”
“I guess that response will have to do.” He matched her smile. “Taz is having everything unloaded into the locked storage unit. I was able to get most of what you needed.”
“Perfect.”
He set the bag of food he carried on the edge of her desk, which had become her make-shift office. “How’s your arm?”
“Still painful, but it could have been worse. I think the scarring will be minimal, if any.”
“And how are you doing?”
“It’s a bit like my residency days. Between