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pushing them to allow you two to be taken into our confidence.  But some are holding out, arguing there must be another way.  I had hoped to have a decision from the tribe tonight, but some are still dragging their feet.  I’ll question them all again in the morning.  Will you two come after breakfast?”
    Jen nodded.  “Of course.  But can you give us a hint?”
    Nana paused.  “It’s the reason the Shuar’s guard this land so fiercely.  It’s the reason the oil companies can never be allowed in.”
    Nana wouldn’t expand her cryptic statement.  A few minutes later Laney and Jen said good night and walked down the steep path back to their camp.  Whenever they visited, they always set up camp away from the Shuar.  It seemed important to not intrude. 
    When Laney was settled into her tent, she wondered what Nana had been referring to.  It had to be the source of the Crespi collection.  That was the only thing that made sense. 
    Laney pulled off her sweatshirt, taking her Glock out of the holster.  Checking the magazine, she placed it on the ground next to her bed.  Ever since Montana, she’d never felt safe unless she had a weapon nearby.  She figured she had two options, go talk to a therapist or carry a concealed weapon. Right now, the latter was working. 
    Laying down, she closed her eyes, focusing on counting to a hundred.  Another little habit she’d developed since Montana.  If she focused on the numbers, no other thoughts were able to sift their way in. 
    Around seventy, she could tell it was working.  But Nana’s worried face slipped in.  She pushed the image aside.  There was nothing she could do about Nana’s problem tonight.  It would keep until morning.   
     
     

    CHAPTER 5
     
    A few hours before dawn, an ear-piercing scream yanked Laney from her sleep. She sat straight up on her cot, her heart pounding. More screams and automatic gunfire joined a cacophony of cries.
    Laney grabbed her Glock and launched herself from the tent.
    People streamed down the path from the village. Behind them, an orange glow lit the night sky.
    “Someone’s burning the village,” Jen said as she appeared out of her tent.
    Laney stared up at the flames, trying to think of a reason someone would attack the village.  She knew the Shuar had difficult relationships with some other indigenous tribes in the area, especially the Achura.  But this kind of attack, with women and children sleeping, was cowardly.  It wasn’t the Achura.
    Jen's ebony eyes caught Laney's, and didn't waver. She tipped her chin towards the path the villagers were streaming down. “You in?”
    Gripping the gun with a nod, Laney took a step forward. A hand latched onto her arm. She glanced down at its owner in disgust. Warren.
    “Where are you going?” he shrieked, his receding hairline more obvious in the fire’s glow.
    “To help.” You asshole .  She yanked her arm free.
    He switched his grip to Jen’s left arm. “You can’t.  We need to get out of here.  You’re both responsible for my safety.”
    Laney watched Jen’s face.  Her expression didn’t change, except for the small tick in her cheek.  Oh, you stupid, stupid boy .
    Jen reached over with her right hand and twisted Warren’s wrist until it was bent at a ninety-degree angle.  With a screech, he dropped to his knees, his arm contorted in the air.  She leaned down. “Help. Or. Get. Out. Of. The. Way.”
    Warren nodded his head so ferociously, Laney worried it would snap off his neck. “Okay, okay.”
    Jen released him.  He stumbled to his feet and with a glare, followed after the retreating villagers.
    Dismissing him, Laney turned to Jen. “Let’s go.”
    Taking off at a run, they sprinted up the steep path. Although Jen’s legs were a good few inches longer than Laney’s, Laney soon outpaced her. Her smaller size made it easier for her to slip through the panicked crowd streaming down the trail.
    Screams and the ring of gunfire grew