Her Lieutenant Protector

by Lara Lacombe

  “Peter’s not the kind of guy to wait for ideal conditions,” Everest said, raising his voice so she could hear him over the din. “He’s not one to let a little crowd stop him.”

  “If you say so,” Mallory muttered. Everest had said his friend was eager to get onto the ship so he could check out the mystery material for himself, but it would have been easier to find him if he’d been willing to wait until a little later in the day.

  She scanned the crowd, though she knew it did little good. Everest had given her a basic description of Peter, but there were several men who were tall and had short, dark brown hair.

  “That’s it?” she’d said, unable to hide her exasperation with Everest’s bare-bones sketch.

  He’d blinked at her, clearly at a loss. “Uh, he has green eyes?”

  Mallory shook her head at the memory and returned her attention to the activity on the pier. She wasn’t close enough to see the color of anyone’s eyes, so that wasn’t exactly a helpful bit of information.

  “Maybe we should stay on the gangplank,” she suggested. “It might be easier to let Peter come to us, instead of us trying to wade through the crowd to find him.”

  “Good point,” Everest said.

  They drew to a halt and stepped to the side so people could walk past them. Everest glanced at his phone and frowned. “I texted him a few minutes ago, and he said he’s here. Hopefully he won’t have any trouble getting to us.”

  As if on cue, a shout rang out. “Everest!”

  They both turned in time to see a man step from the crowd, waving as he approached. Everest walked down the stairs to meet him, and the two of them clasped hands and pulled each other close, slapping each other’s backs in the characteristic embrace employed by men everywhere.

  Mallory watched for a moment, enjoying the sight of Everest and his friend. The two men appeared genuinely happy to see each other; both sported wide smiles, and she could tell by their relaxed body language they enjoyed each other’s company. Everest was usually so serious—it was nice to catch a glimpse of him relaxed and truly at ease.

  After a moment, Everest led Peter to the stairs and they climbed onto the gangplank. Everest gestured to her with a smile. “Mallory, this is my friend Peter MacKenzie. Peter, this is Dr. Mallory Watkins.”

  Peter’s gaze was friendly but assessing as he stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you,” he said.

  “Likewise,” Mallory replied. Before she could think better of it, she grabbed Peter’s hand. From the corner of her eye, she saw Everest’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. She was shocked herself, but after talking to Everest last night, she was done letting fear rule her life. She wasn’t going to be able to cast aside all her worries overnight, but every time she overcame an obstacle, no matter how small, she was making progress.

  Shaking Peter’s hand was a little thing, but it symbolized her new attitude. It felt strange to touch a man she didn’t know without the creeping dread that normally accompanied introductions like this. Maybe it was Everest’s presence that made her feel safe. Or maybe it was the fact that he was friends with Peter, and part of her knew he must be a good man to have earned Everest’s regard. Either way, she was happy to meet him.

  “Thanks for coming so quickly,” she said. “We both appreciate your help.”

  “My pleasure,” Peter replied. “I’m always glad to have an excuse to see Everest. How long has it been, Mountain Man?”

  “A year, I think,” Everest said, as they started to walk back to the ship.

  “Mountain Man?” Mallory echoed. “I didn’t know you had a nickname.”

  Everest blushed, and Peter laughed. “That’s what we called him when he was in the army. Fits, don’t you think?”

  “Is it just because of his name, or did his height factor into it, as well?” Mallory asked.

  “Both,” Peter replied. “Along with the fact that Everest was always so stubborn. He took his time when making a decision, but once he did, there was no changing his mind. You’d have better luck trying to move a mountain.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Everest said.

  “Not at all,” Peter said easily. “Just warning the good doctor here, in case she didn’t know that about you yet.”

  Mallory was beginning to like Peter and his easygoing manner. Too bad they weren’t meeting under better circumstances. She’d enjoy the opportunity to pick his brain about Everest. He probably had some good stories from their time in the service together.

  Mallory and Everest flashed their ID badges to the security guard standing at the entrance to the ship. “This is my guest,” Everest said, nodding at Peter.

  “No problem, sir,” the guard said. He moved to the side to let the three of them pass, and Everest led them to his office. Once they were inside, Mallory and Peter took a seat while Everest closed the door to give them privacy.

  “So tell me more about your mystery material,” Peter said. He was all business now, his earlier friendliness banked as he turned his attention to the reason for his visit.

  “You pretty much know everything we do,” Everest said.

  “I haven’t heard from you, yet,” Peter said, turning to look at Mallory. “Everest told me a bit about your patients and suspicions, but can you give me a little more detail?”

  “No problem,” Mallory said. She told Peter everything, starting with her first patients and their GI symptoms and sunburn-like rash. The steady trickle of patients over the last few days made her even more convinced they were dealing with radioactive material.

  Peter listened intently, interrupting only to ask a few questions here and there. He was particularly interested in Danny’s injuries after touching the material.

  “I’d love to get a look at his hand,” he remarked.

  “I might be able to arrange that,” Mallory said. “I can call his supervisor and ask to have him report to the clinic for a follow-up.”

  “Please do,” Peter said. “I’d really appreciate it.”

  “Why don’t you try to do that now?” Everest suggested. “We have some time to kill while we wait for the passengers to disembark for the day.” He turned to Peter. “The material seems to be concentrated in cabins, and it will be much easier to show it to you when the rooms are empty.”

  Peter nodded. “Makes sense. I’d rather not have an audience while we do this.”

  Everest turned his desk phone around so Mallory could access it easily, and he handed her the contact sheet that listed phone numbers for the different managers on board. It took only a moment for her to locate the correct extension, and a few minutes later, she hung up with a nod.

  “Danny’s on his way to the clinic now,” she said. “I’ll head over there and talk to him to make sure he’s comfortable with you guys examining his hand. I’ll page you if he agrees to it,” she said.

  She stood, and Everest did the same. He looked worried, and unless she missed her guess, he didn’t like the idea of her going to the clinic alone.

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. She appreciated his concern, but it was important she get Danny’s consent before giving Everest and Peter the green light to come to the clinic. If Danny walked in to find the men waiting for him, he’d likely feel defensive and overwhelmed. It would be much easier to talk him into letting Peter look at his hand if she was alone when she asked.

  Everest nodded, but he didn’t look happy. “I’ll be watching you.” He nodded to his computer monitor, which displayed a grid of footage from various security cameras mounted throughout the ship.

  “I won’t take long,” she promised. “I’ll see you both in a few minutes.”

  She set off for the clinic, a warm feeling in her chest at the knowledge that Everest was watching over her. He might not be physically close to her, but she knew he would keep her safe.

>   Chapter 18

  Peter waited until the door clicked shut behind Mallory, then turned back to face Everest with a speculative gleam in his eyes.

  “You didn’t tell me there was anything going on between you and the doctor.”

  “I didn’t?” Everest said with mock innocence. He watched the video feeds on his monitor, tracking Mallory’s progress to the clinic. Only when she was safely inside did he relax enough to breathe fully again.

  Peter raised one eyebrow, his mouth slanting in a familiar smirk. “How long have you been fraternizing with a coworker?”

  “You make it sound so scandalous,” Everest said.

  Peter laughed. “You’re the one who was always such a stickler for the rules. I’m just surprised, that’s all.” He paused, his expression turning serious. “Does she know about your injury?”

  “She does,” Everest said simply. He debated a split second on telling his friend more about Mallory’s own troubles but decided against it. She had trusted him with her secrets, and he wasn’t going to betray her confidence. It would be nice to hear Peter’s take on things, and Everest felt like he could use some advice regarding how to best support Mallory as they tried to build a relationship. But he wasn’t going to risk their fragile bonds of trust unless it was absolutely necessary. If he had to talk to someone, he’d ask her friends Avery and Olivia first. They knew all about Mallory’s rape, and could probably offer insights and advice if he needed it.

  “That’s great,” Peter said sincerely. “Is she the first woman you’ve dated since Leah?” Peter was familiar with the circumstances surrounding their breakup, and he also knew how reluctant Everest had been to date in the years following his injury. He sounded genuinely pleased, and Everest had to admit it felt good to have his friend’s support.

  “Yes. But it’s still early days,” he cautioned. “We’re not sure how things are going to work out, but we’re hopeful.”

  “Better make sure you leave the toilet seat down, then,” Peter joked. “Seriously, though, I’m happy for you. I’ve been a little worried about you. A lot of the guys have.”

  “What do you mean?” It was a little unnerving to learn his life had been an issue of concern for his friends, and Everest reflexively rocked back in his chair.

  Peter shrugged. “You’ve been single for a while,” he pointed out. “It’s not healthy to be alone.”

  “I’m fine,” Everest said, waving away the words as if they were pesky flies.

  “Everest.” Peter sounded suddenly serious, and Everest’s stomach flip-flopped. Peter leaned forward, his gaze heavy. “You went through hell in the war. You have a lot of scars, and they’re not all physical. I know you’re doing pretty well, but I’m glad you seem to have found someone special. I hope you’ll let her help you with your demons.”

  Everest nodded, his throat too tight to speak. He and Peter had known each other for a long time, but Peter usually kept things light and humorous. For him to speak so frankly now about such a serious topic told Everest just how much his friend had been worried about him. He was touched to find his friend cared to such an extent, but he wasn’t altogether surprised. Friendships forged in the service were unlike those made under any other circumstances. It was nice to discover the intensity of their bonds hadn’t diminished simply because they no longer served together.

  They were both quiet a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Then Peter leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “So where do you keep your bird?”

  “My bird?” Everest echoed, confused. What the hell was he talking about?

  Peter nodded. “Yeah, you know. Your parrot.”

  “I don’t have one.” Understanding began to dawn, and Everest shook his head.

  “That’s a shame,” Peter said. “You have all the makings of a pirate—a peg leg, an accent, a ship. Why not get the bird and just complete the picture?”

  Everest gave him a droll stare. “Ha, ha,” he said drily. “And I do not have an accent.”

  “You do sometimes, padna,” Peter said, adopting a thick Cajun accent. “Seriously, though, how does it feel to go from being an officer in the greatest army in the world to being a squid?”

  “I didn’t join the navy,” Everest protested with a laugh. “I’m not that much of a traitor.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Peter said, his voice thick with doubt. He cocked one hip off the seat of the chair and dug in his pocket. “Prove it.” He slapped his hand on the desk, revealing the challenge coin given to their unit upon return from Iraq.

  The gold surface gleamed on the desk, shiny and ostentatious in Everest’s drab office. The challenge coin rules were simple: when presented, the others in the area had to show their own coins. If they came up empty-handed, the challenger was treated to a drink by the losers.

  Everest stood and patted his pockets, pretending to search for his coin. Peter smirked. “That’s what I tho—”

  A metallic clang cut him off as Everest slapped his hand on the desk. Peter stared at the coin for a moment, his smug expression fading into a sheepish grin.

  “You were saying?” Everest asked pointedly.

  “Just making sure your loyalties are still in the right place,” Peter said. He retrieved his coin and returned it to his pocket, and Everest did the same.

  “Always,” Everest assured him. “We can head to the bar later so you can buy me my drink.”

  “Fair enough,” Peter said.

  The pager on Everest’s hip buzzed to life, and he checked the display: He’ll talk to you.

  Well done, Mallory, he thought, proud of her for getting her patient to cooperate.

  “She’s ready for us to come to the clinic.”

  Peter stood, all traces of teasing gone as he picked up his backpack. “That didn’t take long,” he remarked, slinging the bag over one shoulder.

  “She’s very persuasive,” Everest said, pulling his office door closed behind them. “Let’s hope this guy can tell us something helpful.”

  * * *

  “Are you sure I’m not in any trouble?” Danny shifted on the bed, clearly uncomfortable.

  Mallory offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’m quite sure. Mr. LeBeau and Mr. MacKenzie aren’t interested in causing problems for you. They simply want to look at your palm.”

  Danny frowned at the bandages on his hand. “Do you really think they’ll learn anything by looking at my welts and blisters?”

  “I hope so,” she said. It was a long shot, but Peter was an expert on radiological material. Presumably he would recognize any injuries that resulted from contact with the toxic stuff.

  Danny still seemed nervous. Please don’t back out on me now, she thought.

  Mallory caught his gaze and leaned forward a bit. “I know you’re worried,” she said, her tone serious. “But I will do everything in my power to make sure your job is not at risk. What happened was an accident. I’ll vouch for you.”

  He smiled, but it was strained. “Thanks. I can’t afford to get fired. Not with one kid in college and another about to be.”

  “I understand,” she said. “And I don’t think it will come to that.”

  The door to the clinic swung open, and they both jumped. Mallory turned to see Everest and Peter walk in, their expressions serious.

  Danny shrank back against the gurney, and she tried to see the pair through his eyes. They were both large men, tall and broad through the shoulders. They carried themselves with an air of confidence and projected a no-nonsense vibe that she had to admit was a bit intimidating.

  Everest noticed Danny’s response and offered him a friendly smile. “Hello,” he said, as he and Peter reached the gurney. “My name is Everest LeBeau, and I’m head of security for the ship.”

  “I’m Peter MacKenzie, a c
onsultant working with Everest and Dr. Watkins.” His green eyes were kind as he regarded Danny. “We really appreciate your willingness to talk to us.”

  Danny nodded, his body relaxing a bit. “Dr. Watkins said you’re trying to figure out what that putty is,” he said. “I hope I can help you. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

  “Can you tell me about your experience?” Peter asked.

  “Sure.” Danny described his encounter with the substance in the bathroom he’d been cleaning. Mallory had already heard this story, but Everest and Peter listened intently to Danny’s descriptions.

  “When did you notice the effect on your hands?” Everest asked.

  “Almost right away,” Danny said. “My skin began to tingle and then it started to hurt, like I’d scraped my palms raw. I tried to wash my hands, but I didn’t help. My palm turned red and big blisters popped up, along with some welts.”

  “Do you mind if we take a look?” Peter said.

  Danny wrinkled his nose. “It’s pretty nasty, but go ahead.”

  Mallory stepped forward and gently removed the bandages on his palm, revealing the damaged skin underneath. Peter and Everest both leaned forward, studying the cracked and oozing mess as if it were a fine painting. She was a bit surprised at their reaction—she’d expected some degree of shock and revulsion, but now she realized they’d probably seen much worse in their time at war.

  Peter nodded to himself, and he and Everest exchanged a knowing look. “How have you been feeling since you hurt your hands?” Peter asked.

  Danny frowned, considering the question. “Well, to be honest, I’m not at one hundred percent.”

  “How so?” Everest said.

  “I feel tired and run-down. And I’ve had some...bathroom issues,” he said, his cheeks flushing a dark pink.

  “Why didn’t you come back to the clinic?” Mallory said.

  Danny shrugged. “I couldn’t afford to take the time off. And when I finished my shift, I was too tired to bother.”