Aaron watched her go, and Les watched him watch her.
“You were saying?” Les commented as they both took off to follow.
Captain Mac, his first mate, and Jimmy stood on the bridge, examining the radar screen. It showed a blip—a small one—and it came and went. Something that could be another vessel and just within detection range.
“What do you think?” Jimmy asked.
Aaron studied it. He looked at Les.
“Could be nothing. A lost fisherman or floating junk,” Les said. “Or… these guys will sometimes put out a scout disguised as just that.”
“Keep an eye on it,” Aaron instructed. “If anything changes, we’re in earshot.” He nodded at Les, and they both left for the foredeck.
Seconds later, Shane poked his head in the door. “Did I miss the party?” When Alex pointed forward, he said, “Thanks, darlin’!” He winked and scurried off after his companions.
This quest was much more than just finding the downed plane. It had carried something or had surveillance data of something that somebody wanted pretty bad. Aaron didn’t think Jimmy really accepted the details as is—according to what Aaron had been told, they’d been downplayed. And Jimmy had been brought in by the military for the express employment of his expertise in deep-sea exploration.
Jimmy figured, as they all did, that whatever lay below held incredible importance. Just the fact that Jimmy had brought on Aaron and his crew spoke to how much more seriously Jimmy was taking it. Still, the engineer felt comfortable enough to bring his sister and young son along, so he clearly wasn’t extremely concerned.
Aaron drummed his fingers. Of course, the man probably hadn’t been told everything. Just go find the plane, record the coordinates, get some pictures, call it a day. Pretty easy. Pretty standard. Only, they neglected to inform anyone just how perilous these nasty little jaunts could be.
Alex appeared at Aaron’s side as he scanned the horizon. “Do you see anything?”
“Just… barely. It’s way out. Miles.” He lowered the binoculars and handed them to Shane.
Les sighted through his rifle scope. “They’ll hang out there like that, sizing things up. Wait a few days till they think the time is right.” He trailed off. “It could be serious. It could be junk. Just have to give it a wait and see.”
Alex and Aaron exchanged a glance before she turned and walked off. Did the small smile and nod she’d offered him cover her alarm? And her sudden bashfulness at being that close to him? Unable to reconcile how those surges of disquiet threw her, she walked faster. She just needed some solitude.
The return path to her cabin stretched unusually long this time. Hatch secured behind her, she leaned back against the cool steel with a deep sigh. Damn. What is it with all these oddball feelings? What is it about Aaron Donovan?
She pushed off the door and went over to pull a duffel bag from under the bed. A quick probe through folded tops and she removed her pistol. The 9mm SIG, a gift from their father when she’d turned eighteen and planned to leave for college.
He’d surprised her with a trip to their local range, and they’d spent the day having her try out various pistols to see which felt best to her. The SIG P226 provided the perfect combination of grip, weight, and accuracy. Having watched her shoot his old Army 1911 at targets for years, her father had told her that no matter what she held, she could shoot a fly off the top of a telephone pole and leave the legs. That analogy had made her laugh and exclaim eww at the same time, especially as they’d been enjoying a spaghetti supper when he said it.
She giggled again at the memory as she looked over her chosen weapon. A quick check; full magazine, nothing chambered. She attached her holster inside her back waistband, tucked the pistol in, and pulled her shirt down over it. Maybe a hasty move on her part, but with the possibility of dangerous, unwanted visitors, she would rather be prepared. She went back out and up to the bridge to talk with her brother.
Alex’s carry caught Aaron’s eye as soon as he saw her again. This woman embodied much more than appearances held. For the present he resolved to just keep an eye on her. Would she handle it in a professional and careful manner? Or would she pose more of a danger to herself and others, being armed? He would wait and see, act in accordance if needed.
He didn’t mention his insight to his team either, choosing to see how long it took each to pick up on this new facet. Les always used discretion in his observations, a word in private or directional nod his preferred method, likely coming in short order. Shane, however, could be more publicly vocal. The fact that she was armed was something they had all missed. He was certain no one else on the ship knew either as her brother would have been sure to inform him at the outset. One of the conditions for the job, for everyone’s safety, was that he and his team have knowledge of all weapons on board, all personnel trained and using those weapons if trouble arose, who would be a continual carry. Otherwise, this oversight wouldn’t constitute a big deal.
A day later, after dinner, Shane called him out on it.
“Great. Just great. That’s all we need! A woman with a gun. Might as well slap a goddamn bow on it and gift it to the enemy!” Shane’s tone became accusatory as he voiced his growing displeasure to his companions. He confronted Aaron, all but demanding an explanation, and rested a hand on his own holstered pistol. “Thought you checked everybody out, knew who all had the guns on this bucket.”
All three were now aware of the pistol Alex wore at her back. The average person wouldn’t notice, but to them the concealment shone obvious.
Aaron traded a knowing glance with Les, spoke to soothe Shane. “It’s no problem. I’ll talk with her and see what’s what.” He held Shane’s gaze until the other shrugged and looked away. Aaron watched him a moment longer. Man sure has some issues. But then I guess in one way or another, don’t we all?
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he turned and strolled closer to the edge to peer down to the next level. Alex Thomas, what a conundrum. Contemplating now what could end up a confrontation with her, his gut took a jump and a constrained tingle slid through his veins. These sensations were not a normal part of his existence, and they caused him to hedge with reflection.
In general, he found social interactions with women easy and enjoyable, and he had no problem with someone considering him attractive, whether the attention was wanted or not. Sometimes that interest was a good thing… other times, not so much. Long gone were the days that he’d blow off comments, and at times loathe allusions to good looks. That awkward aspect in youth had transformed. His sweet boyish smile and well-timed wink could be quite disarming, a distraction tactic if the situation called for it, but always the best when he found himself engaged in a natural, honest connection.
This woman. Why was she shy and elusive with him? And were those aspects drawing him to her? At least he now allowed himself to acknowledge the fact existed. Was it an attraction of perceived mystery, a desire for something appearing kept away, a challenge? No, it was greater than that, otherwise he’d have already made an effort. He was also reserved, and it wasn’t just because of it not being a good idea to get involved with a charge, as he’d told Les. Nor despite a personal decision he’d made some time ago to take a big step back from any attempt at a relationship for a while. But what was this weird entangling essence? Hell, they’d only been on the water three days!
Three days… More than enough time for him to trust in his instincts about her that he did want to know her. She intrigued him.
Her energy was almost palpable as they’d approached the ship’s plank to board, and he didn’t need to look when Les confirmed her bridge-roof position to him. Could it have just been his natural keen awareness? No, this was a captivation. Lucky for him, banter with her brother created enough distraction to hide any confusion. Only later as he stowed his duffel in his cabin could he get a handle on centering and calming himself. He had to figure out that something more that he couldn’t quite grasp. That str
ange pull that at the same time felt maybe just a little… frightening? It made him unsure of how he should approach her. So far. This little diversion, however, if not so common for the average woman, would be a perfect icebreaker.
He admired her lithe form, cross-legged on the deck, immersed in the sunset. To prevent strands obscuring her view, one hand attempted to restrain waves of hair against the light sea breeze. Her other arm rested across shapely thighs. She carried a gentle presence about her that overshadowed a tangible independent streak. That innocence was what he saw now, and he almost hated to disturb her serenity. Almost. After observing her some moments more, he hopped the rail.
That jumpy yet exhilarating influence had continued to permeate Alex since they’d left port. And it wasn’t caused by whatever lurked on their horizon, though that discovery had upped the level of unease for all on board. At this point she still just passed it off as a product of her foreign surroundings. The inspiration of this unusual adventure. This conclusion did not, however, take away the underlying current of an indescribable something that coursed through her. If anything, that force was intensifying. At least it wasn’t a bad feeling. Rather an excited, anticipatory joy, like the nervous butterflies of waiting in line for a roller coaster.
Gazing at the sunset, she allowed her thoughts to drift. Watercolor wisps of magenta, tangerine, yellows and purples of cirrus clouds glowed their reflection as the sun kissed the ocean’s cool gray horizon. The camera beside her already contained its array of photos. The enchanting sight calmed her, and her eyelids developed a heaviness as the bright globe slid lower. Maybe she’d call it an early night tonight.
The form landing several feet from her jerked her from reverie. Aaron Donovan. Alex greeted him as he approached. Um… that look on his face! Was she in trouble? Stern and cool, hard to read. But no, there shouldn’t be anything wrong. Besides, his regular prevailing facial expression did tend toward the more serious.
“Hey,” Aaron replied to her greeting as he walked over from his landing point. He dropped to sit beside her. With a brief inclination of his head and a flick of his eyes to her waist, he got right to the point. “So, I see you’re carrying.”
Taken just a little aback at the abrupt statement and still recovering from his unexpected appearance, she eyed him. “Wow. You… really are a straightforward kind of guy.”
His steady stare never wavered as she met his gaze.
She’d had yet to experience substantial personal contact with any of the protection team. Well, except for that big blond one’s less than tactful overtures of affection. One of those pesky types that refused to take no for an answer. Yikes. Was that Shane guy serious or just having fun? Likely both if she were to give in. No. Way. At least he wasn’t aggressive about it. Just persistent. Yep, Loverboy fit him to a T. He had a funny, if raunchy, sense of humor and always seemed to be joking, but there was an edge there that gave her an odd feeling. And not the good kind.
The tall sniper, Les LeBeau, a genuine good guy judging by the way he interacted with her nephew, was always polite. An easy jovialness. Friendly and respectful, like a protective big brother. Care Bear was a perfect nickname for him. That man exuded a calm confidence while remaining utterly laid-back. Everyday stressors wouldn’t give him the slightest concern. Maybe that just came with the territory.
And Aaron Donovan? Psycho? Wonder where he’d picked that name up? It didn’t seem to fit his personality or actions. He came off with that same cool assurance as Les, just not quite as low-key. Maybe a play on that? Maybe there was something more she would learn about him to justify it. If she got to know him. Up until now he’d barely spoken to her, though he’d always offered an honest and affable smile in passing. Along with their several mutual covert glances. This would be a first of any real conversation with Aaron. For what that was looking to be worth…
She studied him as he waited for her response. With the late-evening sun highlighting his features, a sudden awe swept through her at just how handsome he was. Even with that sober countenance. Blue-green irises rimmed and flecked with deep gray, green and gold striations at the pupils; those steadfast eyes held her with complete immersion. Wow, how beautiful… Yet another seeming paradox to a tough exterior. That mesmerizing kaleidoscope of focus, a curious intensity, yet somehow… heartbroken? Familiar misery of ancient childhood forlorn longings jumped to mind with a swift kick to her chest. Just like at the dock. Right before… What the…? Why?
She ripped her focus from his face, breaking their visual connection, hoping he would judge the confusion that flashed through her as just a reaction to his question. Plus her scrutiny had done nothing to persuade further dialogue from him. She pulled herself together, swallowed at the burning in her throat, and in one motion removed the pistol from her waistband, ejected the magazine into her lap, and checked the chamber. With that, she flipped it around and presented it to a somewhat surprised Aaron.
Aaron took the weapon from her, raising an eyebrow at how deftly she’d handled it. He looked over her choice of sidearm, turned his gaze back on her, and handed it back.
“Just like to know who has what. And that you know what to do with it. Can’t take chances.” He was dead serious but offered her a warm grin.
She grinned back. It was the first time she’d seen genuine lightheartedness from him up close. The mischievous, slightly crooked smile and the way the lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth crinkled gave him a childlike quality that contrasted the usual stoic visage. Waning sunlight cast a reddish tint to medium brown hair that held maybe a hint of silver creeping in at the temples. A faint half-inch heart-shaped scar impressed his left cheekbone. The odd energetic charge surged again. She concealed a shiver. An excited shyness she hadn’t felt in some time threatened to overtake her, and she averted her eyes back to the orange horizon and setting sun.
Alex reset the magazine and returned her pistol to her back. Good Lord, this man’s gonna think I’m a nervous wreck. As she regained her wits and corralled the hair that now drifted across her face, her thoughts turned back to the initial reason he had approached her at this moment. Having dealt with more than enough derisive comments over the years, from boys and men alike, concerning females and weapons, she was not at all unsettled by the questioning. “Gee, and I thought it was just because I’m a girl.”
Another lopsided grin and a wink did nothing to help her composure.
“Nope. I know girls can shoot. Just not all girls. And not all guys, for that matter.”
Alex stood at the ship’s rail, eyes closed. A brief morning meditation time by herself to set intentions for her day… interrupted by the scrumptious scent of coffee and croissant… close! Her lids snapped open to rising steam. A cup of coffee and a small plate of pastries just in front of her chin were held by strong hands at the end of arms extending from behind her. She twisted around to see who was displaying this surprise postbreakfast offering.
“Aaron! Hey.” She blinked at him.
Aaron responded with an almost shy boyish, lopsided smirk. “Morning.” He brought his arms back and held the items between them. “Um, I thought you might like a little breakfast… dessert?”
Alex couldn’t have held back her grin if she’d tried. After their unexpected talk about her concealed carry the prior evening, she’d gone to sleep wondering what he thought of her, thinking about his smile, if or when they would talk again. Hoping…
“That’s so sweet of you. Of course. Thank you.” With that she leaned forward to take in a large whiff of the steaming coffee.
Aaron’s smile widened. “Great. Uh, here.” He handed her the plastic mug and small plate. Once they were secure in her grasp, he bent to retrieve his own mug from the floorboards. “Follow me.”
They walked forward to the ship’s bow and took seats on the deck at the rail. Neither spoke at first, just sipped their coffee. Alex wasn’t sure what to say. This complete reversal from his perceived avoidance to him now seeking her out left her flu
mmoxed. She grasped a coherent question at last and opened her mouth to speak just as he did also. They giggled at each other.
“You go first,” Aaron said and took a bite of croissant.
“Okay. I was just gonna ask you what happened to your morning meeting? Don’t you guys usually reserve this time for, I don’t know, your daily strategizing?”
Aaron swallowed his bite. “We were. Don’t really need to now, I mean not beyond a ‘hey, if anything looks weird, check in.’ We’re all set, no need to repeat every day. We hang out enough. Hash out anything we need to then.”
Alex nodded. “So you decided to bring me treats instead?” Okay, that sounded kinda dumb. She sipped her coffee and kept the mug close to offset any redness in her warming cheeks.
Aaron chuckled and looked at the plate in front of him. “A peace offering. Thought I might have been a little less than tactful last night. Maybe prove that I am a nice guy. At times.” He fiddled with his coffee cup as he looked back up at her.
“At times.” Alex grabbed her lower lip in her teeth to keep her smile from getting too big.
“Sometimes.” He winked at her.
Alex giggled. That was a loaded sometimes. She didn’t know him well enough to respond with spicy wit. Not yet. Not that she would have come up with anything on the fly anyway.
“So, what brings you out here?” Aaron asked between sips of coffee. “I mean, I know your relation to our researcher. But otherwise, why did you want to come?”
It took Alex a few moments to reply. She hadn’t spent much time thinking about the reason beyond adventure and family time, though that deeper logic existed. From the inflection in his voice, he was looking for that something more from her, the underlying why. “Family of course. A fun adventure. I guess, other than what you already see, I wanted something completely different from what I’ve experienced before. I needed to… get away, see my life from a different perspective.” She stopped and stared at her mug. “I’ve chosen safe and ordinary, at least what seems ordinary to me, too many times.”
Off the Deep End Page 3