They welcome Petacci like a true hero, and the small Italian only blushes. “Water,” he finally asks. “I have to have water. The sun had nearly burned me to death on that rock.”
After Petacci had drained Fritz Mundt’s water flask, Catroux posts guards. He, Teuns, and Jenene walk through the camp, inspecting everything.
* * *
Half an hour later, a plane arrives. It makes a couple of circles over the camp. The men and Jenene wave enthusiastically, and then it departs to the north once more.
Catroux approaches Jenene. “We have brought you this, Miss Trenchard.” He hands her the powder compact and the bracelet. “Without your wisdom to leave us clues, we might never have followed the Berbers.”
With tears in her eyes, she looks up at him. “I am grateful I am free, but I feel heartbroken a
