by Nina Bruhns
“Oh, and what questions are those?”
Here it goes, she thought. “I’m curious: Why is Abby under your protection, and who is she? I mean, where did she come from? A pregnant Caucasian woman out here, why?”
Eric sighed heavily as he hefted himself out of the chair and walked around the desk. He shut the door before returning to his seat, resting his hands before him on the desk and then clasping them together. “We found Abby in a dinghy. She had been there for a while, beaten up. She is an American citizen who was kidnapped in Paris. What we have been able to piece together from Intel and Abby is that she was sold at an auction to an Arab man.”
Joan felt the bile burn in her stomach. She was aware this happened to women, but she feared what Eric was going to say next. She wondered just how bad it was for her, what she may have had to endure, and for a moment she didn’t want to know. She felt tears burn in her eyes, and she fought to hold them back as she listened to his account of what she had survived, and her escape.
Joan closed her eyes, trying to shut out the abused image that appeared in her mind. She knew whatever she was picturing would have been a blessing compared to what Abby had actually withstood. She felt the warm tear drench her cheek. She quickly wiped it away as she roughly cleared her throat. “Thank you for sharing that, Captain. I didn’t know.” He didn’t need to say any more. She understood now why he was so protective of her, and it made her want to help him more than she already was. “So what happens to her now? Will she go home?”
“Eventually. I’m making arrangements for her now,” he said. He was ending the conversation. Joan saw the hardness in his jaw as he leaned forward. He said nothing further, and Joan took the cue to leave. Emotionally battered herself, she needed to think and put some perspective on this.
“Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your candor. How is Abby doing emotionally?”
He looked away, and everything about him softened. “She’s going to be okay. I’ll make sure of it.”
Joan just nodded as she moved to the door. “Thank you, Captain. Goodnight.”
She leaned against the captain’s closed door in the passageway. Alone, she wanted nothing more than to break down and cry. It was a woman’s worst nightmare, and she didn’t know, if she were in Abby’s place, how she’d be able to cope.
“Good evening, Commander.”
Startled, she pushed away from the door and nodded at the officer in passing. This wasn’t the place to fall apart, she reminded herself as she hurried on back to her cabin and the privacy she needed to get her head together for the meeting with Abby tomorrow.
* * *
The next morning, Eric hung up the phone, shaking his head. He turned to look at Joe, who sat across from him, waiting to hear about the conversation with the admiral. Eric leaned his head back, really digging into the chair, and then swore as he slammed his fist against the desk. The strain was beginning to take its toll on him.
“So what did he say?” Joe asked.
“They want her sent to the base in Bahrain. They want to question her about Seyed. It appears that your friend Edwin let it slip that this guy may be connected with the bombing of one of the navy ships last year.”
“What? I can’t believe Edwin did that. When do they want her there?”
“Now!” Eric hissed through gritted teeth. He flung the pen to the desk in frustration. Then he pushed out of his chair, pacing the room. He dug into each step. His mind was racing. He didn’t know what the hell to do. He was feeling helpless and wary, not knowing how to stop it, but he was convinced that if the CIA got hold of Abby, no matter how innocent she was, they would end up hurting her, maybe not physically, but by the emotional damage they would do by hammering at her. Those unscrupulous bastards made people disappear, and they didn’t care who those people were. He believed that this time, Abby would never be seen again.
“I did my best to talk the admiral into letting me keep her and the baby here on board for the time being. It’s safer here.”
“Baby on board? How’d he react to that?”
“He was reluctant… but at least I bought some time until I can figure out something else,” Eric said. What new problem was going to creep out of the woodwork at him? He felt as though he was being ambushed and it was coming from everywhere, above him, below him, and all around him.
Joe cleared his throat, drawing Eric’s sharp attention to him. “Are you sure you want to be there when we talk to Abby? I mean, you’re upset. She’ll pick up on it—”
“Don’t even think about trying to talk me out of being there,” he said, cutting Joe off. “When are we meeting? And, by the way, where is the commander?” Eric was guarded now, and frustration pulsed behind his eyes.
“Well, we should head down to sickbay if you want to be there ahead of Joan. I know she’s been talking to more of the crew, trying to get some more statements.”
Eric was at the door and yanking it open in two strides. Then he stared down at Joe. “Well, let’s go. I don’t want her talking to Abby without me there.”
“I’m right behind you,” Joe said.
* * *
Joan anticipated that Eric was going to be difficult about her interviewing Abby, so she had made a point of telling Joe a time that was an hour later than she planned. The rumors she’d heard about Abby still did not prepare her for this moment.
Her throat jammed up, and she swallowed hard as she stood, watching Abby, knowing the very private, painful details of what she had suffered. It took her a moment to gather her wits as she stood alone in sickbay with this young mother. It was not how she imagined, especially after what she heard last night. After seeing her briefly in the passageway earlier in the week, well, she sensed a protective shroud surrounding her.
One question continued to stick in her mind. Why had the captain, with his reputation, staked her as his territory? It was a very primitive thing to do—something she’d love a man to do for her. There was probably no woman around who didn’t want some tiny bit of that kind of protection there for her, when she needed it.
“Abby, we haven’t formally met. I’m Commander Joan Foxworth. I’m conducting an investigation and was wondering if I could ask you some questions.”
Abby smiled up at her, gently swaying with the baby in her arms. “You’re investigating the charges Gail Carruthers made.”
Her mouth fell open, because she had understood that the captain was so overly protective that Abby might not have a clue what was going on around her. Pulling up a chair to sit by Abby, Joan was distracted by a subtle longing at the sight of the tiny baby in Abby’s arms. She wasn’t sure why these maternal feelings were beginning to surface, along with a dawning desire to know what it would be like to have a child of her own.
“Would you like to hold her?” Abby asked.
The moment turned awkward. For Abby to be aware of her feelings caused an uneasy discomfort inside Joan. It prompted her to decline, only the words would not come, so Abby stood up and simply put Rachel in Joan’s arms.
As soon as that tiny baby was settled in her arms, she was filled with longing, and a warm peace flooded her senses. The purity and innocence of the child was amazing. She stared at the tiny life that yawned with a small mouth and most perfect lips, and she couldn’t help herself when she kissed that amazing hand that reached up. Then, with a deep smile that was more forced than real, she handed the baby back.
“Abby, I’m surprised you know anything about the accusation. I was led to believe that you knew nothing about it.”
“Oh, I know about it. Believe me, it wasn’t easy finding out. Eric wanted to keep me in the dark, but I knew something was going on by the way everyone was acting, and Gail Carruthers had me wondering and confused for a while.”
Joan tried not to stare at Abby, seated on the edge of the bed, rocking the baby. Frowning, she asked, “What did she say to you?”
“Well, actually, a few things happened. She came to see me one night. I think it may have been when you f
irst got here. The guard was no longer at the door, and she came in alone. She seemed so interested in how the baby and I were doing, and then she started to check my blood pressure.”
“Okay, before I ask about the guard, which I am quite confused about, tell me what she said to you.”
Abby closed her eyes as if picturing the incident. Then her eyes flew open. She appeared confused. Shadows of raw emotion clouded them. “I still don’t understand it, but I think she was trying to make me doubt Eric. I mean, she said she was concerned for me and the trauma I had been through. Then she told me I needed to be careful with the captain.
“There were too many other things that happened. One was the morning after I’d been in early labor. Eric thought I was asleep. I heard the door crash open, and then I heard Gail’s voice. She refused to acknowledge the captain appropriately, and she spoke to him with such contempt and disrespect. I remember hearing Eric open the door and call in the guard He ordered him to escort her out. I’ve never heard him so angry, but it was at that moment that I knew she had done something to him. The way she acted with him was more a woman scorned, which is what I’d been thinking. I mean, my God, the captain saved me.”
“How do you know he didn’t do anything to her?” Joan was disturbed by what she was hearing. For just a second, doubts filled her. Had Gail been mistreated, or were these all lies?
“He didn’t do anything. I know it here.” Abby placed her hand over her heart. “He keeps me in the dark, trying to protect me. Someone who truly dislikes women wouldn’t do that. Besides, in case you haven’t noticed, everyone else respects him. I respect him. I snuck out of this room because I knew the captain was hiding something. He was hurting, and I couldn’t stand it. I had to find out, because I wanted to protect him like he protected me. When I briefly spoke with the young seaman washing the floor, one thing I discovered along with the truth of the incident is that the crew love and respect him. Her, they view as a viper.”
“Okay, Abby, the supposed incident she reported happened here in sickbay.” Joan was careful to keep her tone light as she continued.
Startled, Abby blinked rapidly. Her expression was one of confusion as she stared at Joan. So, Abby wasn’t aware of the specific details of the claim.
“I’m sorry,” Joan said. “I misunderstood. I thought you knew the details?”
“Obviously not. When did this supposed incident happen?” There was a very distinct bite of anger in Abby’s voice.
“Friday.” Joan paused to review the specific detail in the notes she held in the file in her lap. “She has noted a time of approximately twelve hundred hours. That’s noontime.”
Confusion shrouded Abby’s face and then knit her brows together. She fixed a concerned gaze on Joan. A faint recollection of something seemed to flicker in her eyes, along with anger in her now-quiet demeanor.
“I do remember Friday, right before the doctor brought me my lunch. I can honestly tell you I do remember when the captain came in. I was just waking up, and I heard him talking to Gail. He asked--”
The door swung open, stopping Abby midsentence. All at once, the atmosphere changed inside the room to something thick and dark. Eric loomed in the doorway, and his expression was something Joan had not seen before. His unmistakable gaze connected only with her. A sheepish Joe followed behind.
Joan, for the first time in her life, felt her cheeks burn red. She cleared her throat and said, “Good morning, Captain.” She was careful to let her voice betray nothing. A curt nod was all the reply she received as Eric moved to stand right beside Abby, almost blocking her from Joan’s view.
“Commander, I see you arrived early. I understood from Joe that we weren’t to meet for another twenty minutes yet. Or is it that I was given the wrong time?” It was more a statement than a question, as he shot a murderous glare at Joe.
Joe frowned at the commander, and Abby leaned around the captain to look at Joan. It was quite a pickle, and Joan felt very much on the hot seat.
Abby reached out with a free hand and touched Eric’s side, drawing his attention down. As he looked into her eyes, his irritation melted away. God, thought Joan, the man was in love with her!
“Eric, I remember that day and what happened. I was awake when you came in.”
He squatted in front of her and then put his hands on each side of her. “What day are you talking about?”
Abby looked anxiously at Joan. “On Friday, when this… supposed incident happened.” Abby was blushing furiously.
Reaching out, Eric took Rachel from her and faced Joe. “Here, make yourself useful. Hold Rachel a minute.”
Joan received another surprise when Eric passed Rachel to Joe and smiled warmly at the tiny babe before shooting another warning glare at Joan.
“Watch her neck, and for God’s sake, be careful with her.” Eric’s sharp rebuke surprised Joe, who rolled mocking eyes but did not utter a sound.
Returning to Abby, Eric rested his arms on either side of her and leaned in front of her. He deliberately kept his back to Joan, but she didn’t mind. Maybe letting the situation run would produce the answers she needed to close this case.
Eric then stood up and took Abby’s hands in his. “What do you remember?”
Abby related the bit of story Joan had heard just before Eric’s untimely appearance. She listened more closely as Abby embarked on new territory. “You asked her where the doctor was, and at the time there was one thing that puzzled me: I didn’t understand then why you were so abrupt with her, but I do now.”
That last comment brought a puzzled look from Joan and Joe both, although Abby didn’t appear to notice.
“She didn’t acknowledge you as her commanding officer when you came in,” Abby said.
Joan felt a twinge of resentment for the magic that seemed to pass between Abby and the captain. It was a rare bond they’d formed, and it was something she could honestly say she’d never witnessed before. How many women were lucky enough to find something that magical, a man so head over heels in love that he would do anything to protect them?
“I remember you said, ‘That’s all,’ dismissing her. I had the idea she just stood there because you had to say it again. Then you told her to go to the mess hall. I remember how surprised I was at her behavior and how quickly she left.”
Eric reached out and touched her face, cupping her soft, rounded cheek in the palm of his hand. “I didn’t know you were awake.”
Joan cleared her throat. Eric pulled back his hand and stood, turning to face Joan, who met his stern gaze with her practiced wide smile.
“Well, I do believe Abby’s statement here should finish it,” she said. Feeling a little out of sorts at witnessing such an intense moment, Joan gave herself a mental shake and focused her attention to closing up this case. “I think that’s all I need.” Standing up, she paused in front of Abby. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Abby, and thank you for letting me hold your baby.”
The captain frowned at Abby. She in turn smiled lovingly at him.
“It was nice meeting you, Commander,” Abby said. “I hope I was able to help clear up any accusations against Eric.”
Joan couldn’t discuss any details, so she inclined her head and gripped her file, turning to leave.
“Just a minute, Commander. If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with both you and Lieutenant Commander Reed in my quarters now,” Eric said.
Joe just rolled his eyes as he gently swayed with the baby in his arms. He winked at Joan, breaking the astonishment she felt at the sharp order.
Eric turned to Abby. “I’ll be back right after I meet with these two,” he said. “Give her to me.” He took Rachel possessively from Joe’s arms, stealing a quick sweep of her with his eyes as if examining her for some injury she may have suffered.
Joan was stunned, watching, and Joe muttered under his breath, in a voice low enough so as not to alarm the baby, “I didn’t harm her, you know. I do know how to look after one. I own three myself.
”
Abby choked back a chuckle and shared a moment with Joan. Their eyes met, and Joan felt the silent thank-you from Abby.
* * *
Closing the office door, Eric walked with arrogant purpose around the desk and then sat in his chair. Without a word, he stretched out a hand, palm up, gesturing to the two chairs. On the walk back to his cabin, all down the passageway, with each step and each nod to the passing crew members, he’d managed to work off some of the annoyances, but his irritation at the betrayal was still there. He refused to allow this incident to pass without addressing it.
Joan directed a cautious look at Joe, who only raised his eyebrows as they both sat down in the proffered chairs. Eric said nothing for the longest time. He flipped through a file on his desk, read for a bit, and slapped the file closed.
Joan held up the flat of her hand in mock surrender. “Captain, I’m sorry. I told the lieutenant commander here a later time. He didn’t know I was going there an hour earlier. I needed to be able to talk to her without interruption.”
“Let me make something perfectly clear to you, Commander Foxworth.” Eric kept his tone steady but added an edge to it, relaying to her that if she wasn’t careful, she would find herself bounced right off this ship, regardless of whether the investigation had been completed. Coloring slightly, she realized that in that moment, she had made a dreadful tactical error. “No one pulls that kind of crap on me, no bullshit. To be quite frank, I’m very disappointed in you. I honestly started to believe that I may have misjudged women in the military, but I believe that from your current behavior, you have just proven me correct.”
She was obviously stunned by his accusation. Anger colored her cheeks. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped and shut it again. “Captain, I agree that what I did wasn’t right. I do regret my earlier actions and would like to apologize.”
Eric glanced over at Joe and was startled by the sympathetic look he gave the commander. It was a warning glance to end this now and not say another word. She, being a very smart woman, picked up on the cue and turned back to the Captain, looking properly chagrined.