Free Unexpected Oasis by Cd Hussey Page A

converted to an office. Though only slightly less cramped than my sleeping quarters, it thankfully has windows large enough to pass a basketball. 
    He stops at one of the desks, unloading the contents of his bag on top. "And another thing, they'll constantly try to weasel their way out of a deadline with this Insha'Allah bullshit."
    "Insha'Allah?" I repeat the words slowly in my mind. "God…?"
    "Willing," Trey finishes for me. "Muslims are never supposed to make plans for the future without saying Insha'Allah—because the future is in God's hands. It's submission to God," he adds with a shrug. "That's all."
    "Oh. Interesting." For all his claims of liberal tolerance, Jim was actually quite intolerant when it came to religion. And very, very judgmental. Certainly as judgmental as those he claimed used religion to defend their hatred of others. I'm not religious in the least, but I find it refreshing Trey is not only tolerant, but has actually taken the time to learn a little about Islam.  
    Conrad snorts. "Whatever. It's an excuse to be lazy and blow-off a deadline."
    "Or the understanding that one never knows when they'll have a heart-attack, or a roadside bomb takes out a family member, or a haboob blows into town."
    "Haboob?"
    "Sandstorm."
    "You speak Arabic?"
    "Only a little. I'm more fluent in Urdu."
    "Is that a job requirement?"
    "Not for this job."
    "Which—?"
    "Look," Conrad interjects. I try not to shoot him a dirty look. I fail. "Don't you have some security stuff or something you need to do?"
    Trey's mouth presses into a thin line but he doesn't reply. He deposits his huge body into a nearby office chair, the plastic supports groaning as he sits. Leaning back, he fol ds his hands tightly on his lap and watches us.
    "Do you have to be here?" Conrad asks him.
    "Yes."
    I doubt that, but I like how Trey's presence is obviously making Conrad uncomfortable.
    In fact, as he describes the project details to me, his gaze darts back and forth between myself and Trey, who continues to stare him down. After a while, Conrad begins to sweat.
    The more Trey stares, the more agitated Conrad becomes. He completely unravels until every piece of exposed skin glistens, the fabric under his arms is completely soaked, and he can barely string a sentence together.
    I'm not sure whether to laugh or well, laugh. I suppose I should feel sorry for him, but Trey hasn't actually done anything, and Conrad's earlier prickness sapped any potential pity. Finally, I decide I can at least put him out of his misery.
    "I think I got it," I say. "I can email you if I have any questions."
    He wipes at the pool of sweat covering his forehead. "Good. I'm ready to get out of this hellhole."
    For the first time in fifteen minutes, Trey moves. "I'll escort you to the chopper," he says as he stands.
    A hand quickly comes up. "No. I can handle it." Conrad quickly makes his way to the aluminum door. "Good luck, Andrea. Let me know if you need anything."
    I hold up my hand in a wave as he steps from the container, and then turn to Trey once the door closes. "That was the most amazing skunk-eye I've ever seen."
    He shrugs. "I was just making sure you had everything you need," he says nonchalantly. The corners of his mouth curl up into a barely perceptible smile.
    "Uh-huh." I sit in the office chair assigned to the desk Conrad unloaded onto, stacking the plans into a neat pile.
    He sets a Walkie-Talkie before me. "We're set up on channel three. Press the button on the left to talk." He demonstrates with the one in his hand.
    "I take it you're heading out?"
    "I've got to check on a few things. Are you…?"
    "I'm fine." I pick up the Walkie-Talkie, and press the button. "I'm fine," I repeat into the speaker. Sounding tinny and foreign, my voice comes out through the matching Talkie attached to Trey's belt.
    He scoops it up. "Ten-four." His words echo from my Talkie.
    I can't help smiling as he exits the building.
    Dinner is served in another shipping container.