The listless clouds hugged the Devon horizon, as gray and somber as the clutch of men congregated around the gash in the ground. Masud Sinan stood out of their way, though his penetrating gaze never left their steady work, while Ian and Lucas hung even farther back, unnecessary now that they’d found Kafele’s final resting place.
They hadn’t spoken since leaving the hangar. Ian hadn’t even had the opportunity to steal a quick caress. Lucas sat in the front seat, offering directions, while Ian was left in the rear with a silent Masud.
Ian honored the quiet by not bothering the man. He had too much to process at the moment to be fussed with a near stranger offering his condolences.
There was no ceremony, no pomp to the lifting of the box from the ground. Ian’s stomach turned at the sight o
