by Kaki Warner
“Nothing’s going to happen,” Richard insisted. “I’ll talk to your brother-in-law if you want, but this is hardly worth getting your family worked up about.”
KD hoped he was right. But he didn’t know her mother. If Mama found out a terrorist and suspected murderer might be after her daughter, she would stir up enough trouble to set the whole county on fire.
After cleaning up from breakfast, and with a free day ahead of them, they packed a picnic lunch and went to nearby Belton Lake, where the Army Corps of Engineers maintained several parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
They hiked, they ate, they talked and laughed. They even rented paddle boards. But with KD’s limited flexibility since her surgery, she spent most of the time falling off, while Richard paddled circles around her, laughing and taunting her to try again. Instead, she just smiled and watched the way water on his long, strong back glistened in the sunlight as his arms worked the paddle.
It was the best day KD had had in a long time.
That night, they went out for Tex-Mex, then came back to the hotel suite and ate popcorn and binge-watched the first season of Game of Thrones, which they’d both heard about but hadn’t had time to watch. It was okay. Richard’s commentary throughout all the racy parts was a lot better. KD sensed they were both edging toward something deeper than movie night on the couch. But she valued his companionship too much to jeopardize their growing friendship with a quick, meaningless hookup.
After breakfast Wednesday morning, since Breslin wouldn’t be in until later that afternoon, KD suggested they go to Waco and check out the Magnolia Market at the Silos. Richard was more interested in visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. They ended up doing both. Museum first, then Magnolia, then lunch from one of the food trucks parked outside the silos, followed by a long stroll on the grounds of the Mammoth National Monument.
KD was getting stronger every day, although her hip still tired easily and her stamina was somewhat decreased. But Richard didn’t push her, and slowed his pace to match hers, so she was able to make her goal of two miles without stopping to rest.
It was another great day, marred only by having to dodge around a drugged-out addict, lurching along the path and mumbling to invisible people.
Richard scowled at him as they passed by. KD was afraid he might say something to the guy and was relieved when he didn’t. Yet as they continued their walk, she could see he was still upset.
“My brother was an addict,” he said a few minutes later. “Started using after I left for college.”
Surprised by the abrupt revelation. she looked over, saw the set look of his mouth, and sensed he was lost in a painful memory he didn’t often share. That he trusted her enough to tell her about it made her want to offer the comfort she had so often received from him. But she didn’t know how. She wasn’t the “there-there” type. Emotional scenes made her feel inept and desperate to escape because she was never sure how to react or what to say. Usually she just stood in awkward silence, hoping her unspoken support would bring comfort enough. She doubted Richard wanted comfort or sympathy anyway. He was too self-assured for that. But at least she could show interest and give him a listening ear. “Marijuana?” she asked, not knowing what else to say.
“At first. Then crack, meth, heroin, fentanyl. Whatever he could get.”
“That’s awful.” On impulse, KD slipped her arm through his. “Is he okay now?”
“He’s not an addict anymore, if that’s what you mean.”
There was a hard edge in his voice that KD didn’t understand. Not wanting to blunder or say the wrong thing, she remained silent as they continued to walk.
“I tried to help him,” he said after a lengthy silence. “But I was a lot older, a senior in college two hundred miles away, and gone most of the time.”
“What about your parents?”
He let out a huff of air. “They were in denial at first. Thought it was just a phase. When we realized Kenny was definitely hooked, I started making the trip home every weekend to play big brother and try to talk sense into him. Even got him into rehab.”
“How’d that go?”
“Not good.” He kicked a rock out of the path. “The day he got out, I caught him taking money from my wallet. Within a month, he was stealing from my parents’ hardware store.”
“They couldn’t do anything?”
“He wouldn’t listen to them, either. After months of hell, they turned to me. Wanted me to quit college and stay home, where I could keep an eye on him. Figured if I dogged him twenty-four seven, he might turn himself around.”
“Did you?”
He shook his head. “Couldn’t. Didn’t want to. He wasn’t my little brother anymore. I thought if I quit coddling him, he’d straighten up. I was wrong.”
“You’re not thinking his problems were your fault, are you?” Odd how those words echoed back to what Sarge had said to her about Nataleah.
“I probably could have tried harder. But . . .” His steps slowed to a stop. He stared into the distance, his dark brows drawn low, his mouth tense. “Some things can’t be fixed. Addiction is one of them.” He started walking again.
“Families can be difficult,” KD admitted.
He looked down at her. “Is yours?”
She thought for a moment. “In some ways, yes. After my dad died, it was five women in the same house. It could definitely get crazy sometimes. Too much estrogen, I think.”
“You don’t get along with your sisters?”
“I do. And I love them dearly. But I never fit comfortably into the family mold. Too different. Too aloof maybe.” Or too determined not to get sucked into the vortex of family drama. “They were happy at the ranch, but I was driven to rush out and save the world. Yet now . . . here I am, back in the nest.”
“I doubt you were ever that comfortable in the nest anyway.”
Surprised by his insight, she saw that his grim expression was now softened with amusement. Without thinking about it, she slid her hand down his arm and laced her fingers through his. His hand was broad and a little rough. But it cradled hers in a warm, gentle grip that made her feel safe and protected and accepted.
“I like you, Warrant Officer Murdock,” she told him with a smile. “And I’m very glad you came to the base early to keep me company.”
A slow grin spread across his chiseled face, crinkling the corners of his eyes, and revealing again the handsome man lurking beneath the stern expression. “Any time, Lieutenant.”
They walked on without speaking. But there was no awkwardness now. No rush to fill the silence. Just the quiet, calm enjoyment of each other’s company. With a sigh of contentment, KD rested her temple against his arm, needing the contact, the assurance his presence always gave.
She didn’t question it. Didn’t try to analyze what she was feeling. Just accepted that Richard was fast becoming her own addiction. Being with him was so easy. She hadn’t felt this happy or relaxed in months . . . as long as she ignored that voice in her head reminding her this was only temporary. After the hearing was over and his leave was up, they would each go their separate ways.
But until then, she resolved to enjoy his company as long as she could.
* * *
* * *
Several hours later, as they pulled in outside Room 114 at the Barkley Suites, Richard got a text from Bill, saying he’d arrived on base and was checking into the VBOQ—Visiting Bachelor Officers’ Quarters.
Richard texted back that they would pick him up outside the barracks at 1800 hours, adding, “Hope you like barbecue. Wear civvies.”
He and Bill Breslin had immediately hit it off in boot camp. Bill, being smaller in stature, had appreciated having a buddy who could take on three men at once if necessary. Richard, for his part, was glad to have someone tutor him through all the boring briefings and classes. Not that
he wasn’t smart enough to hack it, but back then, he was more physical than cerebral. Probably a reaction to his failed marriage. Rage creates an energy all its own.
By the time he and Bill had graduated boot, what had started as a symbiotic relationship had evolved into a deep, unshakable friendship. Over the years, they’d been sent to different postings and didn’t cross paths very often, but they’d always managed to stay in touch. If either of them ever needed anything, he knew the other was ready to help. Like now.
“You’ll like him,” Richard told KD later, when they pulled up outside the VBOQ. No sign of Bill so he powered down the windows so they wouldn’t cook while they waited. “He’s small and fierce, like you. But not near as pretty.”
“He’d better not be.”
Seeing the way KD kept picking at her nails, and hoping she wasn’t building up to another anxiety attack, Richard reached over and took her hand in his. “Don’t be nervous, babe. Bill knows what happened. You won’t have to go through all that again. I’m sure he’s read your service file and seen your army record, so he knows you’re the kind of soldier the army wants to retain. He’ll make sure the panel knows it, too. Stop worrying.”
“I’m not worried. I’m just wondering what he needs to talk to us about.” She looked over at him, a frown bunching above her lightly freckled nose. “They can’t convene a court-martial without first going through an Article 32, can they?”
“No. And whatever Bill wants to talk to you about can’t be anything bad, or I would have heard from Chief Stranton. He’s an even bigger worrier than you.”
“He’s the one who sent you to investigate?”
Richard nodded and explained that Stranton was his next at CENTCOM, the command that was responsible for a huge swath of Northeast Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. “He’s terrified of getting caught in an international scandal. Calling for an Article 32 is his version of damage control.”
“Let’s hope.” She looked down their hands.
He thought she might pull away. Instead, she put her other hand on top of both of theirs and gave a gentle squeeze. Other than in the hospital when he’d held her shoulder while she vomited—which Richard didn’t count—and earlier today when she’d taken his hand in sympathy after he’d told her about his brother, this was only the second time he and KD had had meaningful contact. In fact, it was the first meaningful contact Richard had had with any woman in longer than he wanted to admit. It opened a warm spot inside his chest.
“Thanks, Richard.”
“If you start that gratitude crap again, I’ll quit cooking for you.”
“Then can I tell you I had a wonderful day?”
“Sure.” He grinned over at her. “Ditto.”
“You’re such a romantic.” She gave him the smile he was hoping for, which sent that warmth pulsing throughout his body.
“You’re not in this alone, babe. I’ve got your back. Bill, too.” Looking past her, he saw Bill coming toward the car. “Speak of the devil.” Letting go of KD’s hand, he stepped out and called over the roof of the Camry, “Looking for a good time, sailor?”
“Not with you, Dick. But I wouldn’t mind having a go with the pretty lady.” Ignoring Richard’s scowl, he bent beside KD’s open window. “You must be Lieutenant Whitcomb. You do know you’re too good-looking to be riding around with this Gomer, don’t you?”
KD laughed, taking an instant liking to Richard’s friend.
A few minutes later, they were heading out the gate to what Richard had been assured was the best barbecue joint in Texas. For some reason, KD thought that was funny. “It’s not?” he asked her.
“Could be. This is Texas.” She explained that there were probably a thousand places that considered themselves the best. “But not to worry. If it’s done right, the brisket will melt in your mouth and the ribs will fall off the bone. If not, it’ll still be pretty damn good. This is beef country. Our standards are high.”
CHAPTER 9
The Longhorn Smokehouse smelled right and was already so crowded when they arrived that there were only two booths left. Plus, within two minutes they had ice-cold drinks in their hands.
“What more can you ask?” Richard raised his bottle high. “To friends, here and gone,” he said, clinking the neck of his Lone Star against Bill’s Tecate and KD’s glass of sweet tea. “And to those who love peace enough to fight for it.”
“OO-rah!” Two men with military haircuts at a nearby table raised their beers and grinned at them.
“Friendly place,” Richard observed, and nodded back.
KD laughed. “Of course. You’re in Texas.”
And one of the best things about a good Texas barbecue joint was the service. Since the meat had been in the smoker since dawn, little time was spent waiting for your food to arrive. Within ten minutes of placing their order, platters of ribs and brisket and bowls filled with all the fixings covered their table.
It wasn’t until they’d taken the edge off their appetites that KD asked Bill if he knew why Major Hendricks wanted to talk to her.
“It’s not that unusual,” he told her. “Most PHOs meet with the defendant and counsel before a hearing to go over motions, evidentiary rules, protocols, and so on. Mostly it’s to make certain you’re adequately represented and both sides are ready to proceed. Any more slaw?”
Richard passed it over. “When will the hearing start?”
“Zero nine hundred Monday morning. We have plenty of time to go over testimony this weekend. And you were right, KD. This brisket is amazing.”
She smiled. “Texas beef. Maybe even Whitcomb Four Star beef.”
“Your family raises cattle?” Bill asked.
“Until recently. Now we focus more on Angus bulls for breeding. We also raise and train cutting horses. My brother-in-law is a very successful trainer.”
Richard looked at her in surprise. Another assumption shot down. He’d figured her for a small-town girl, not one raised on a ranch. “I thought you lived in Rough Creek.”
“In the suburbs, more or less. What about you two? Where are y’all from?”
Despite all that he and KD had talked about earlier, Richard hadn’t told her where he was from. He didn’t like talking about his family.
“Wisconsin,” Bill answered, wiping sauce off his fingers. “Dairy farmers.”
“Washington state,” Richard said. “Hardware store. But after retiring, my family moved down South. Now, I’m from wherever the army sends me. But maybe not for long,” he added, hoping to stop any more family questions.
Both KD and Bill looked at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Bill asked.
“My re-enlistment date is coming up.”
“You’re not re-upping?” Bill asked.
“You’re leaving the army?” KD’s eyes were round with surprise.
“Maybe. I’m taking a month’s leave to think it over.”
Bill set down his beer. “Damn, Richard. I thought we’d retire together. If you’re tired of CID, come to JAG. We always need good investigators.”
“It’s the investigations I’m tired of,” Richard admitted. “Hunting down scared soldiers, rooting out the badness in others. Not a lot of upside to this job. And I’m sick of the traveling.” This was the first time he’d revealed to anyone his doubts about re-upping. But hearing the words spoken aloud told him he might be closer to leaving the army than staying.
“Then pick another MOS. The army’s got dozens of occupational specialties.”
“I’m tired of the army, too.”
It felt odd, putting all these feelings into words. Richard had battled discontent for a while now, and even more so lately. Verbalizing it only seemed to reinforce his need to do something else. Something more positive. When he’d enlisted years ago, he’d been running from a broken marriage, a shattered family, and a lot of anger. But
he was past all that now. Maybe it was time to build a real future. He looked at the two confused faces staring back at him and had to grin. “What? Don’t you think it’d be fun to rescue a cat from a tree?”
“You want to be a fireman?” Bill asked.
“Cops do that, too.”
“You want to be a cop?”
Richard shrugged. “Like I said, I’ve got a month before I have to decide.” And right now, to show he was done talking about it, he pushed back his empty plate. “If you two are through, there’s a line of hungry people waiting outside.”
It was still early when they returned to the car, but Bill had notes to go over before meeting with the PHO in the morning. He was ready to head back to base.
“Is there anything I can do to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting?” KD asked Bill as they drove through the main gate.
“Just show up on time and in dress blues. I’ll do the rest.”
“Have you decided on a defense?” KD still thought the “unlawful order” angle might work.
“I have some ideas.”
* * *
* * *
When they pulled up outside the VBOQ, Bill got out, then bent down by the open passenger window. “Don’t worry about tomorrow, Lieutenant,” he said. “Your role is simply to be there. And to admire my brilliance, of course.” To Richard, he added, “Don’t you worry, either, buddy. I’ll take good care of her.” Then with a thump on the roof of the Camry, he waved them off.
As they drove through the Hood main gate, Richard asked if KD wanted to go back to the hotel or do something else.
“It’s been a long day. And I need to make sure my uniform is pressed.”
“Barclay it is, then.”
They drove back without speaking. Richard parked in their usual spot and shut down the motor. But neither of them moved to get out of the car. Taking that as his cue, Richard said, “If this is getting awkward for you, KD, I can stay on base.”