He drew a slow breath, braced a hand against the trunk, and pushed himself upright. His knee protested as he straightened, but it held long enough for him to step out from behind the tree.
Light struck his face.
Several flashlights swung toward him at once, followed by the barrels of the guns beneath them. He stopped with his hands where the men could see them, blinking against the glare. One sudden movement would be enough to make someone fire.
For the moment, however, they seemed content to stare.
Romero stood a little behind the others. His gaze passed over Callighan's empty hands, lingered on the blood running down his arm, and returned to his face.
A pleased smile spread across his mouth.
"What were you trying to do?"
He moved forward, though he kept two armed men between them.
"After everything we've given you, too. Somewhere comfortable to sleep. A little company. We even remembered to feed you."
Callighan looked at him without answering.
Romero tilted his head.
