Snippet 58: BD and Ant in Africa

Ant hugged his gun across his knees as they bounced along the logging track. Across from him, BD was struggling through a stack of exercise books. Ant bit back a comment about the pointlessness of it. Rebel forces were on the move and there was foreign money behind them. Ant didn't place much store in the chances of any of BD's pupils reaching adulthood. He didn't think there was a particularly good chance the refugee camp would still be there. BD looked up and caught him watching.

"What else can we do?" he asked.

Ant shrugged. "Perhaps put our efforts into one of the African nations that isn't in a state of civil war?"

"They sent us here because of the civil war. We're more likely to survive the experience."

"Doesn't stop me thinking it's a waste of time."

"Merde!" swore their driver and the landrover stopped.

"What is it?" asked Ant with a heavy heart.

"The rebels got here first."

BD's head bowed and he dropped the exercise book back on the pile.

Ant sighed. "Document and get out then." He rummaged under the seat for the camera.