was the target of someone who wanted to take her and, possibly, sell her to some lowlife pimp or a sheik with a harem full of stolen women.
He turned to the view ahead. “Hopefully, they have sufficient room inside the wire for you to take a leisurely stroll.”
She yawned. “One way or another, I need a walk before I get on stage.”
“You mean you don’t get enough exercise during your performance?”
“It’s a different kind of exercise,” she said. “I come away exhausted. A walk before clears my mind and calms me before I have to be on.”
“I’ll see what we can manage. I don’t want you too close to the outside fence in case someone tries to take a shot at whoever is moving inside the wire.”
She nodded. “That’s the reason I haven’t walked since I landed in Afghanistan. I was warned not to. But I need the exercise and the chance to clear my mind.”
“Then I’ll be by your side with my bulletproof vest on. For that matter, we’ll outfit you with a Kevlar helmet and a vest of your own.”
Sunny smiled. “Thank you. I look forward to our walk.”
The motorhome pulled to a stop behind the other vehicles in the convoy while the guards at the gate made sure the vans, trucks and motorhomes were free of enemy combatants and bombs.
As they waited, soldiers searched the vehicles one by one, top to bottom and even had a military working dog walk the line, sniffing for bombs.
As the vehicles were cleared, they were allowed to enter the gate.
By the time the soldiers and the dog made it to Sunny’s coach, it was late afternoon. After the inspection, Paul drove through the gate and followed the military police who led them to a location where the other vehicles were parked.
Already, roadies were unpacking the equipment and portable stage, quickly erecting everything they’d need to put on a show for the troops.
Rucker, Lance, Tank and Blade hurried over to Sunny’s coach as Dash dropped to the ground and turned to help Sunny out.
“Is there anything the team can do to help?” Rucker asked.
“Talk to the roadies,” Sunny said. “We’re running a little behind, so they might be able to use a few extra hands to speed up the process.”
More soldiers appeared from the FOB. Together, they helped the roadies unload the trucks and vans and set up the stage.
For the first few minutes, Sunny and Dash watched. He didn’t like standing by while others worked hard, but he refused to leave the singer’s side.
After ten minutes had passed, and the stage build was underway, Dash whispered into Sunny’s ear. “Get your walking shoes on.”
She nodded and climbed into her coach.
Dash waited outside, counting the seconds until she reappeared.
Rucker hurried by him carrying his bulletproof vest and helmet.
“Hey,” Dash stepped in front of him. “Mind if I borrow those?”
Rucker frowned. “Sure. Why?”
“I’m taking Sunny for a walk. I promised her I’d get her a helmet and a bulletproof vest.”
“Perfect. It’ll save me ditching them in our vehicle.” He handed the items over to Dash. “Do you need some of us to come along to escort Miss. Day?”
Dash’s brow furrowed. “I’ll be with her every step of the way. I think we’ll be okay inside the wire.”
“She was inside the wire of the last FOB when she was kidnapped. What makes you think there won’t be another attempt here?”
“I’ll be on the alert. There’s still plenty of daylight, and I’ll see them coming,” Dash argued. “If you recall, she was kidnapped at night while out by herself.”
“True.” Rucker glanced toward the three bodyguards standing by the vehicle. “Are you taking them?”
Dash frowned. “I hadn’t planned on it.”
“They’re being paid to provide her protection.”
“I’ll protect her,” Dash insisted.
“Miss Daye will have to relieve them of their duties. It isn’t your call,” Rucker pointed out.
Dash sighed. “You’re right. That being true, I’m certain I don’t want them and our whole team following behind us.”
Rucker’s brow twisted. “You like her, don’t you?”
He sure as hell did. Dash shrugged as casually as he could. “What’s not to like?”
“You know she’s a celebrity, and you’re in the Army.”
“No,” Dash’s lips pressed together. “I didn’t know that.”
“I’m just saying, she might be a little out of our league.”
Dash frowned. “Our league? You’re not interested in her too, are you?”
Rucker chuckled. “No. I have a girl. Nora’s everything I could ever want. I was speaking hypothetically. Why would a celebrity like Sunny Daye settle for someone like you or me?