A/N: I'm anxious to get them home and for the paths to merge again so I'm posting early and hope you enjoy the chapter. Thank you to the guests who have left reviews, all are appreciated. I encourage any readers who have not left a review to think about leaving one; it does help us as writers to know your thoughts and insights to our stories. Please review, it only takes a moment. NC


Chapter 52

Nitro sat on an exam table as Doug took off her boot, sock and the ace bandage to examine her ankle. She watched closely as he expertly probed and pressed gently on the blackened, swollen ankle. She couldn't help but wince and grunt in pain when he hit the really sore spots.

"Well young lady let's get an x-ray and be sure it's not broken or anything." he said pulling a wheelchair over for her to get in.

Nitro hopped on one foot as she moved to sit in the chair allowing Doug to push her to another room where a tech prepared her for the x-rays. The machine was old, but the Clinic couldn't afford anything better and it still worked for the basic things. She sat still while they were taken and hopped back to the wheelchair to be pushed back to the exam room.

"It'll take a few minutes for them to be developed, so let me get some basic vitals." Doug said pulling out a stethoscope to listen to her heart and lungs. He pulled out a blood pressure cuff and checked her BP and pulse, noting it on a form. "Do you have any other problems?"

"Nope, just my dignity." she said.

There was a knock at the door and the tech brought in the x-rays and handed them to the doctor.

"Thanks, Maria." Doug said taking them and putting them on a viewing screen. He studied them for several minutes before turning back to Nitro. "Good news, there's no break but you have damaged a tendon and bruised the ankle. All I can do is wrap it again until you get back to the states and get you a boot to wear for six weeks. I'd go see your family doctor so he can keep an eye on it or if you have any problems."

"Thanks Doc." Nitro said watching him bandage her ankle.

"I can give you crutches to use at least while we're here." he said. "I'd leave the boot off for now too. There we go, I'll take you back to the construction site."

"Trey said something about some food?"

"Of course! The tent is just over here and believe me it's good."

They started out the door and found Dean standing just outside waiting on them.

"So how is she?" he asked.

"Not broken, damaged tendon and bruised pretty bad, but she'll survive."

"Good to hear."

"Have you eaten?" she asked Dean.

"Yes and I think you'll like it." he said steering her toward the tent and to a table to sit down. "You stay here and I'll get you some."

"Thanks." she replied watching Dean go to the tables and talk to a woman there. She listened to him laugh at something she said before heading back to the table with a plate of food and drink.

"You eat and rest, I'm going to see if I can lend a hand."

"Have fun. I know how you like to get your hands dirty." she said waving him off as she began to eat.

spn

Dean waited for the helpers to position the plywood and drove nails in to secure it. He waited for the next piece to be put in place and nailed it down too. They worked this way around the room until it was finished. Trey had Dean on the roof putting on shingles and installing windows in both buildings. The volunteers had to stop as darkness descended on the area and they gathered in the tent to eat dinner. Nitro was still sitting at a table and smiled when she saw Dean and Trey heading her way.

"I gotta say your friend is one tough boss." Dean commented wiping sweat from his brow.

"We've got limited time and resources to get this done so we can't mess around." Trey said. "So how's the foot?"

"Not broken at least." she replied. "You got something maybe I can do tomorrow that doesn't require a lot of standing?"

"We'll find something to make you useful."

"So you'll be leaving the day after tomorrow?" Dean questioned wanted to be ready.

"Yes, by then we'll have finished most of the work on both buildings and the locals can finish the inside and move the clinic and school here. So...June |Bug what have you been doing all these years?"

"Military for the most part." she shrugged not going into details.

"I'm impressed. I was surprised to get your call, what has it been? Ten years since we've seen each other?"

"Yes, it's been a while. How did you get into doing this?"

"My parents and after doing it a few times I wanted to continue. They do fund raisers to raise the money and I do the mission work and building."

"Very noble of you. It looks like you're doing a lot to help others."

"We try; sometimes it's easier than others. Can I get you a plate?" Trey asked now that the line was shorter.

"Thanks." Nitro said. She watched Dean and Trey get in line and get plates and drinks. They came back to her table with the food and sat down. "This looks good. You're lucky they have such good cooks around here."

"We know. They grow most of their own food. We brought our on food down and they cook it for us. The ones that can help also help with the construction. It gives them a sense of pride to be able to help and not look at it as charity. We also brought down seeds and gardening tools for them. Every little bit helps in places like this. These people are up against poverty, cartels, war lords and whoever else can take advantage of them. If we can make a difference for them, it's worth it."

"It's nice to know there are still some good people in the world." Nitro said giving Trey a warm smile. "I know you're wondering how we know each other, but respect me too much to ask." she said watching Dean study Trey and then her. She knew he'd never ask about Trey because that was how he was. He never once questioned anyone about their previous lives and allowed each member of the team to tell him what they wanted, if they wanted. "He lived a block over from me and we became friends. We went to school together for eight years until my family moved away. We met again years later and stayed in touch until I enlisted."

"So, was she as confident back then as she is now?" Dean asked.

"Very. She was a bad ass and no one walked over her." Trey replied. "Junie stood up for the little guy all during school. She wouldn't allow anyone to be bullied if she could stop it. I admired her for having the courage to be herself no matter what anyone said about her."

"And I know you won't ask, but no we were never a thing. Our friendship meant more to us than anything. I love him and I know he loves me, but we never felt the need to take it any further." Nitro explained.

"She was always my confidant and the best friend I ever had. It is good to connect again." Trey added. He looked around and saw others were heading out to get some rest. "Why don't I show you where you can bunk down and get some rest? We're up at the crack of dawn around here."

"I'm all for that." Nitro sighed reaching for her crutches.

Dean took their dirty dishes and threw them away before following the two out of the tent and down the road toward a church where cots had been setup for them to use.

"It's not much, but you'll only have to use them for two nights." Trey said stopping by two cots at the end of the room.

"We've had worse." Dean said taking one of the cots.

"Thanks Trey, we'll see you in the morning." Nitro told him as she settled on the other cot and laid her crutches by it. "Much better than the jungle floor." she mumbled with a sigh.

"Good night June Bug." Dean teased as he stretched out on the cot and closed his eyes waiting for her response.

"Tell anyone and I'll string you up by your balls." Nitro said not missing a beat as she tried to position her foot where it wouldn't hurt.

Dean chuckled out loud with her remark, knowing full well she would do it if provoked. He had seen her jack up a few guys during their tour and enjoyed every minute of it. The only rule he cautioned her with was don't maim, cripple or kill anyone. Other than that, she could do as she pleased.

spn

The sun had just come up and the morning light was spreading out across the land when Dean opened one eye to look around. He saw Nitro curled on her side with her bad foot propped up on a blanket and pack. He stretched his sore muscles realizing doing this type of work was totally different than what he was use to.

"Are you awake?" he asked Nitro.

"No, I'm faking it." she said opening her eyes to look at him.

"You haven't heard anyone questioning us being here have you?" he asked quietly as he sat up on the side of the cot.

"No, I think Trey told them we were vacationing and were going to join them for the last few days to volunteer our services."

"Nice cover. Let's just hope no one comings looking for us. I don't want to put any of these people in danger."

"They got permission from the Mexican government and the American Consulate to be here. It would look really bad if something happened to any of them, so I think we're probably safe."

"Good you're up." Trey said happily. "Breakfast is almost ready. You can wash up down the hall and the bathroom is outside. Hope you don't mind."

"Seen and used worse." Nitro shrugged getting her crutches so she could get up.

"We'll meet you at the tent." Dean told him as he followed Nitro outside.

spn

The day was hot and Dean was soaked with sweat as he worked on the roof laying shingles. He gladly accepted a cold drink from one of the volunteers and looked around for Nitro. He spotted her below hobbling toward the food tent not sure what Trey had her doing. He saluted her when she looked his way. Dean poured some water over his head, feeling it run off and down his neck and back. He knew what he was doing was beneficial for this town, but he was going to be happy to head back home tomorrow. He wasn't going to contact anyone until they were back in the states and definitely out of harm's way.

Nitro could feel the eyes on her and glanced over her shoulder to see Dean standing on the roof watching her. He saluted her and she waved back to him before he turned away and poured water over his head. She could sympathize with him being up there on the roof; it was a hot, humid day that seemed to promise rain showers that afternoon. She went on under the tent and went to help the women prepare for the dinner meal. Trey had told her they would work until an hour or so before dark and stop so all the tools could be packed up and made ready for the trip home.

spn

Everyone was taking a short break when a commotion and loud talking could be heard near the construction site. Dean and Nitro went out to see what was going on. They saw Trey was talking to someone who didn't look like he was from the village and there were five men behind him all with guns.

"Go left and be ready." Dean whispered to Nitro as they split up. Dean walked over to Trey eyeing the evil looking man who was cleaning his fingernails with a wicked looking knife. "There a problem Trey?" he asked glancing to Nitro for a second to be sure she was in place.

"These are rebels from the mountains trying to harass us. They want the village to pay for protection so nothing happens to the buildings we're constructing." he growled anger lacing his words.

"I'd hate to see a fire start, after all the hard work." the leader sneered with a heavy accent.

Before anyone could move or knew what had happened, Dean had the leader's arm pinned behind his back and the knife to his throat. He was pressing hard enough to break the skin and a trickle of blood leaked from the cut. Nitro disarmed the goon closest to her with a crutch to the groin and a knee to the face and relieved him of his gun. She was training it on the other four just daring one of them to try anything.

"Te aconsejo que le digas a tus hombres que bajen sus armas antes de que mi amigo se ponga nervioso. Ella es una excelente opción y no dudará en quitarle la rodilla a alguien. (I would advise you to tell your men to put their guns down before my friend gets nervous. She's an excellent shot and will not hesitate to blow someone's knee off.)" Dean spoke in a deadly voice and to get his point across Nitro placed a few bullets very close to the other's rebel's feet making them jump back in fright and whisper among themselves.

"Suelta tus armas, ahora! (Drop your guns, now!)" the leader wheezed out feeling the blood running down his neck. This was more than he bargained for and wished now he hadn't come to this place. His knife was razor sharp and he knew one false move and his throat would be cut open.

Dean leaned in and began to whisper into the leader's ear as he pressed the knife harder into his neck increasing the flow of blood running down it. The leader's eyes widened in fright and he paled under his deep tan. No one could hear what Dean was saying, but from his reaction it wasn't anything good.

"No molestes a este pueblo otra vez o volveré. (Don't bother this village again or I'll be back.)" Dean growled before shoving the leader toward his men and standing tall with an unspoken challenge that he was a man of his word. He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and with lightening speed threw the knife at the guy getting ready to shoot. He went down with the knife sticking in his leg, crying out in pain for help. Dean didn't want to kill anyone unless he really had to. He figured leaving them alive to tell the story was a better plan.

The leader of the rebels pressed a hand to his neck and spoke rapidly to a couple of the men who went over to get their fallen comrades up and they all headed back the way they had come. Several looked over their shoulders at Nitro and hurried faster when she brought the rifle up, aiming it at them.

"Guess it pays to have friends who served." Trey said still in disbelief about what happened.

"Can any of the villagers handle a gun?"

"I think so."

"Why don't you have them gather those guns and put them in a safe place in case they're needed later?"

"I'll do that. What did you say him?"

"Nothing much, only if he didn't leave these people alone I'd come back with some friends who don't play nicely and make his life a living hell. Oh and to pass the word around, this village is under my protection and I don't take kindly to those who break my rules and to not think I won't hear if something does happen. I'll be watching."

"I think you got your point across. Thanks for that."

"Glad we were here to help." Nitro said handing her gun to Dean and picking her crutch back up. "I'm going to go sit back down now."

"Guess I need to finish up that roof." Dean said passing the gun to Trey who motioned for some of the men to take the guns. He watched the two walk away like what had happened was nothing and wondered just what they had been down here doing, but he promised not to question them and would leave it at that. They more than paid the price for a trip back home with what they just did. At least he hoped the village would be safe from others like that rebel and maybe they stood a chance now. He didn't think there were many brave enough to go up against Dean, especially if he brought help alone.