Blood Covenant Read Online Free Page B

her blood pressure rise. The idea of returning to another emergency situation made her stomach turn. All she wanted to do was to go home.
“You know if I had someone else with experience who was able to step in on such short notice, I wouldn’t ask you.” Digane pulled off his glasses and began cleaning them on his shirt, giving her time to consider his request. “There is a national staff as well as a logistician, nurses, and local workers already in place. All you have to do is say you want an addition built, and they’ll have it up for you within the hour.”
Digane made it sound like setting up the treatment center in a refugee camp during an epidemic would be a piece of cake compared to the past three months. She wasn’t so sure. “Somehow I don’t believe it’s going to be quite as easy as you’re making it out to be.”
“Can I take that as a yes?”
She wouldn’t go empty-handed. “I’m going to need supplies.”
“A convoy left from the capital this morning with twenty-five hundred liters of Ringer’s lactate for rehydration, along with food and other necessary items. We can fly in additional supplies for the treatment center immediately.”
“Oral rehydration salts, IV sets, antibiotics — ”
“I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”
“There are also all the logistical items. Chlorine, soap, and buckets — ”
“Done.”
“And I’m back in Bogama by Thursday night for my flight out of the country the next morning?”
Digane smiled for the first time, revealing his gold front tooth. “I’ll get you out of there in time, but I need you, Paige. You’re the only qualified doctor I’ve got at the moment who’s free.”
She forced down any remaining doubts. “You know I’ll go wherever I’m needed.”
Digane turned to Nick. “I’m glad you’re here as well, because I need a pilot to fly in the emergency team and run supplies. Think you can get permission to lend a hand for a few days?”
Nick didn’t hesitate. “I’ll need to speak to my boss, but considering the situation, I’m sure he’ll agree.”
“Good.” Digane’s smile said he was pleased he’d gotten his way. “How long until you both can leave?”
Paige glanced at Nick. “Is an hour too long?”

FIVE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 12:54 P.M.
MT. MAJA, SENGANIE ROUTE, 7,800 FEET
Brandon Collins leaned over, hands against his thighs to catch his breath, and stared out across the glistening landscape of Mt. Maja. After six hours of trekking up the slippery slopes of the rainforest, the thick canopy had finally given way to the open terrain of grassy moorlands, where yellow rays of light spun patterns of gold across the dozens of colorful wildflowers. With the first day almost behind them, the seventeen-thousand-foot dormant volcano still hung above them in the distance. In another three days, they’d reach their goal: the summit of the mountain’s icy peak.
Unzipping his waterproof jacket, he drew in a lungful of frosty air, then glanced at his wife, Jodi, who was making her way up the narrow slope behind him. He shouldn’t worry, but he couldn’t help but be concerned that even the year of training she had under her belt for this trek wasn’t going to be enough.
Jodi’s expression shifted from one of deep concentration to panic as she lost her balance on the loose gravel. She grabbed for a tree limb, missed, then slid back down the incline.
“Jodi!” Brandon skidded down the worn path to where she’d fallen.
She wiped her bloodied palm against her pants. “I’m okay.”
Brandon knelt in front of her, unconvinced. Blonde hair peeked from beneath her fleece hat, framing her flushed cheeks. “You just slid a good fifteen feet down the mountain. Don’t tell me you’re okay.”
“I lost my balance and cut my hand. It’s nothing.”
“I want to check your ankle.”
She grinned up at him. “Is that my husband or my physical therapist speaking?”
“Both.” Brandon removed her boot and carefully rotated