“I know he does.”

“Yes, you would. More research. Anyway, the job went well, and Novak believes in payback. So he talked the villagers into coming here and helping me.”

“He knows what you’re trying to do? He’s one of your sources?”

“Source? Novak always knows everything about everyone. But I couldn’t compromise him by admitting anything to him about this. Even if he was sympathetic, he can’t involve himself with what I’m doing. Maldara might fall apart again if he isn’t on-site to monitor the truce. All I can hope is that I’ll get a little help when I need it most.” She glanced at him. “And don’t think you can coax him into your camp with money. He’s one of the good guys.”

“But then so am I…sometimes. Can you get those villagers to go into the jungle after Masenak in an emergency?”

“I told you we prefer not to involve them. It’s not their battle.”

“Just a thought. The unit I’m bringing in will be much more efficient anyway.” His gaze wandered to the edge of the jungle, where Margaret was apparently giving last-minute instructions to the villagers. “It appears we’re going to lose your friend shortly.” His glance shifted down to the gleaming cream-colored coat of the retriever at Margaret’s feet. “Beautiful dog. Odd to see a purebred retriever like that here in the jungle. She brought it with her?”

She nodded. “Juno goes almost everywhere with Margaret. It would be odd to me not to see them together.”

He stiffened. “Tell me she’s not taking that dog with her tonight. A white, possibly barking dog, to set off sentries? It would be like shining a searchlight out there in the darkness.”

“Juno won’t bark. She never does. And they won’t see her. She’ll mind Margaret.” She added soothingly, “It’s actually safer if Juno goes with her.” She watched Juno following Margaret into the trees. “And unless you intend to go tackle Margaret right now, I believe our conversation about Juno is over.”

“Tempting,” he said grimly. “But since I promised you I wouldn’t interfere with Margaret Douglas tonight, it might as well include that blasted dog.”

“Juno is a wonderful dog, and I wouldn’t let Margaret hear you malign her if I were you. She’s a peace-loving soul but that doesn’t extend to friends or animals, and Juno is both.”