The Captain's Lady (27 page)

Opening the file she had been clutching, she referred to her hurried notes. “Abby corroborates your story and, taking into account the other statements we have, it appears pretty clear that Gail, with malicious intent, created the incident as some sort of revenge against you."

He crossed his arms and scrutinized her. “So what now? I presume you'll be in touch with the admiral."

She gave the captain a curt nod. “I want to meet with Gail again, too, I need to discuss ... a lot of things with her. To give her a chance to recant her story."

Eric furrowed his brows. “Why would you want to give her chance to recant?"

"I plan on having her brought up on charges: filing a false report and malicious mischief, just to name a few, but until I talk to her I won't be able to ascertain all the charges."

"Keep me informed. Make sure Joe's with you when you talk to her."

Eric was relieved to have this almost cleared up; it had been like a weight hanging over him with the constant fear of when the ax would fall. He hadn't admitted to anyone, especially himself, just how terrified he really was. Expelling a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes tight and focused on a bigger issue: keeping Abby on this ship and away from the base in Bahrain.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Thirty-One

Confined to her quarters, Gail paced like a caged animal, cursing the captain for this latest insult. A little over an hour ago, her assigned guard, without giving any reason, escorted her back to this bunkroom. Gail heaped foul curses on the guard who dragged her and physically placed her inside the quarters. She didn't have to look to know the woman was planted outside the door.

She threw herself down on a bunk and then crossed her arms, furious, her imagination running wild. One image that left her grinning was of the captain being removed by force from the ship and replaced by a female commander, one who immediately recommended her for a promotion. While she smiled at the thought, a sudden chill tightened it's tentacles around her heart; did they somehow find out about her visit to Abby? Did they know she lied? No, she told herself, it was his word against hers.

The door popped open, admitting Commander Foxworth and the XO. Joe turned to the guard, issuing quiet orders that they were not to be disturbed. Nodding in compliance, she pulled the door closed behind them.

Gail's eyes widened at the two officers now standing directly in front of her. They knew something, she was sure of it. Her heart pounded as her mind raced. It was her accusation against the captain, they found out something. What did they know? They eyed her with firm resolve and hers began to evaporate. The XO inclined his head toward the commander, all but flinching in disgust while taking in her measure. As her heart began to pick up an erratic beat, her palms began to sweat and her fingers trembled. Things were coming to a head and it was not in a good way.

Joan stood beside a hard-back chair, holding a thick manila folder against her chest. She left the folder turned so Gail could see her name written in a neat, square hand.

Finally Joan spoke, “Do you understand why you've been confined to your quarters?"

Gail looked straight at her and shook her head. Gail didn't bother answering. She had the feeling there was nothing she could say right now. Nothing they'd believe. Somehow that bastard had convinced her he was innocent.

Joan's eyes flickered to Gail's sides, and she realized her fists were clenched. Joan sighed heavily, her first two fingers tapping the folder. Just get on with it, Gail wanted to screech at her. Butcher me. Send me to the gas chamber. Just get it over with.

"We've collected statements from several crewmembers. First of all, they address your public admission to get back at the captain. Second, we have a witness to the day and time in question who corroborates the captain's report of the incident."

Anger welled up inside her. It threatened to burst from every pore. Suddenly Gail couldn't stop herself from exploding. She leaped at the commander. Her fingernails raked pitchfork paths down her cheek. Joan fell back. The chair tipped over with a crash. But the sound barely registered with Gail because she was shouting every swear word she could think of. She landed on the floor, on top of the startled commander. Gail was just about to haul back and punch her in the face when she felt herself being gripped by the shoulders and dragged to her feet.

Joe launched his body between them, giving Joan a moment to rise. Her blouse was open. The buttons seemed to be missing. Small but round breasts peeked out. That's where Joe's eyes became focused and Gail took the opportunity to lash out again. She caught Joan in the nose with a left hook and Joe with a right hook.

His hands flew up and got hold of her shoulders. Joan lifted the chair and he heaved Gail into it. “Just stay down there, if you know what's good for you. And keep quiet.” His voice was controlled, but the warning was clear.

"That is bullshit. I'm being railroaded. Who dreamed up the conspiracy against me? You?” She aimed a finger at Joan. When she didn't do anything but pull shut the front of her uniform, Gail leveled the verbal attack on Joe. “Or was it you? There was no witness, you know it and I know it. There was just that—"

Recognition struck her. Alarm erupted like leper sores. She snarled, “There is no way that woman saw anything. She was practically unconscious. Anyway, she would lie and say anything he wanted her to. She's nothing but a terrorist and probably in cahoots with that guy she says kidnapped her. I bet she made the whole thing up."

Joe's hand shot out. She pulled back, but not fast enough. He lifted her up and held her suspended from the floor, mere inches from his face. “Shut your mouth, you lying piece of trash."

Joan insinuated herself between them. “Put her down, please."

He did and Gail sank to the floor, her knees buckling under her weight.

Joan's expression changed then. Until now she'd been defensive and perhaps a little fearful. But she was angry now. “It was you who started that rumor that Abby was a terrorist.” A thick finger came up and pointed at her. Gail sneered. No way was she answering anything else these people asked.

"Gail, I'm giving you a chance to come clean. A second chance, as it were. We know you filed a false report. The evidence and statements we've gathered—several of them in case you're interested—support that. What I don't understand is, why?"

Gail clenched her jaw, stemming the potential flow of words. It would do no good to try and defend her actions. To tell them it wasn't her fault, it wasn't her idea. It was ... no, be quiet don't say anything, she reminded herself. I need to think. She felt her world tipping as if the rug was pulled out from under her. What now? What were they going to do?

"Gail, we will be bringing charges against you, but we're willing to be lenient if you'll confess to what you've done and show true remorse."

Still Gail didn't speak. Joan removed one eye from her to glance at Joe who'd remained close by in case she heaved herself at Joan again. God knew Joan would like to pummel that smirking face into oblivion, but it would probably earn her a trip overboard. Poof, no more Gail. Nobody else to crap on.

Joe offered a slight shrug. With a sigh and shrug of her own, Joan turned back to her, resignation clear in her voice. “We'll leave you to think about your choices. You are relieved of duties, confined to quarters. Under no circumstances are you allowed to leave this room."

That's just great. The real criminal is allowed to run free. Joe and Joan threw one last, merciless look at her before closing the door behind them. Couldn't at least one of them look sorry for what they were doing?

She grabbed her pillow and heaved it at the door.

In the hall, Joan winced and touched a hand to her damaged cheek. She tossed a sheepish look at a silent Joe standing beside her. “Thank you for your help in there. I guess the Captain was right to send you with me, huh?"

"He generally is right, regardless of his views. Please keep that in mind before you judge him too harshly."

The wardroom was full that night, the mood considerably lighter than it had been since Gail's ugly accusation. There was a steady buzz in the room as the officers discussed Gail Carruthers’ behavior and the depravity of her ruthless act. News had already spread around the ship that Gail was now confined to quarters. The captain had not officially been cleared as of yet, but the jubilation was in the air and everyone agreed, it was a mere formality.

Joan felt awkward and smiled stoically while she received appreciative thanks from many of the officers, and made excuses for her wounded face. She took her hat off to this man, well respected by his crew, even with his primitive views of women.

It still set her teeth on edge that he evidently read a situation better than she did. Where she should have used better judgment, he had the foresight to recognize a problem situation. Although she was still sporting a bruised pride at the upbraiding she had received from him, she realized it was time to swallow it and congratulate him.

As she made her way over to Eric, standing at the side table pouring himself a cup of coffee, she found herself a little in awe of this man who towered over her.

He was quite good looking. Why hadn't she noticed before? His deeply tanned face, the tiny lines around his eyes, the dark shadow of growth, the deep brown eyes that appeared to hold a deep-set knowledge of the secrets of life. It just deepened the aura of mystery of what it would be like to be kissed by the full lips, to be held by those powerful arms. But there was something else. Something strong, secure, and more than dependable. For the first time, she saw him through Abby's eyes.

He was a proud man. Any woman would be lucky to have him, but it would have to be on his terms, with no compromises. No career woman for him, the signs were clear. Besides it was a moot point; he was unavailable, he had found his mate.

She cleared her throat, preparing to speak. He turned that powerful gaze on her and all at once an awkward tension welled up from somewhere deep inside. She seized the moment. “Captain, I wanted to thank you for having the foresight to send LCDR Reed with me to see Gail Carruthers, I underestimated the situation and..."

Stepping close, he took her elbow and guided her out of hearing distance from the other officers. “Commander, you don't need to thank me, but understand it's my responsibility to see to everyone's safety on this ship. And that does include you. Don't be too hard on yourself for misreading the situation, but when you don't play by the rules, that's when slip-ups happen, remember that."

Joan gave a subtle tilt of her head at the fair but stern words. She started to take her leave, but stopped. “Oh, and Captain, I understand the admiral will be in touch with you. I have filed all the reports to have the charges dismissed against you."

"You did good work. Commander, good luck to you."

"Thank you, Captain, and may I say good luck to you, too, sir.” Saluting him, she watched as he strode from the wardroom, stopping only for an instant to accept someone's congratulations.

Shaking her head, Joan finished up and headed back to her assigned quarters. She would be leaving in the morning along with Gail, who was to be transferred to the base in Bahrain, before being shipped back home to await trial.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Thirty-Two

The admiral's call was expected, but Eric was unable to control the tension nibbling at the back of his neck. It had been over a week since Commander Foxworth had left with Gail Carruthers. Now officially cleared of any wrongdoing, he recalled the sense of relief he'd felt when he heard she admitted to the lies.

He had spent fleeting time with Abby and Rachel over the past week. The admiral, as promised, tried to stall having her brought to the base in Bahrain. Their earlier discussions revealed suspicions that the CIA's motives were not honorable and they might try to use both Abby and the baby as bait to flush out Seyed Hossein, suspected of being a part of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole.

Eric spent many nights confiding his fears for Abby to Joe. His friend had always been a good sounding board, the first to remind him of his duty, but even Joe did not agree with handing her over. It was not right to use an innocent woman and baby as bait for anyone.

Eric picked up the phone and steadied himself, keeping in mind some of the arguments he and Joe had come up with to appease both sides. “Admiral, I hope you have good news for me.” Hearing the sigh on the other end, the bottom fell out of his stomach. He braced himself and waited for the worst.

"They're unwilling to budge. They want her and the baby, and they want them now."

A tingle of blood rushed down his legs. Then, closing his eyes tightly, he offered a silent prayer that he'd be able to pull this off. “Admiral, I can't let her go. You and I both know what will happen. She's a U.S. citizen who was abducted. And raped.” He heard a sharp intake of breath and, before the admiral could send a direct command over the wire, added, “No, I have to stand firm; she's under my protection. I won't turn her over to them. Please, you have to help me out on this.” Gathering a deep breath, he forged ahead. “I also want to run something past you."

Eric offered the admiral a viable compromise. Abby and the baby would remain on board and the CIA could let it slip that this is where she was. It, of course, was a risk, as it meant exposing the ship and crew to unforeseen dangers. Ideally, it would draw Seyed out, where they could set a trap for him. The key was getting the CIA to go along with it.

"Eric, it could work, but I would have to get approval from Washington.” There was the sound of a chair squeaking as the admiral shifted position. “I can tell you, it's going to be a hard sell. This is it, Eric; if it doesn't work, there'll be little you can do to keep her there."

Sighing, and still not willing to show his hand, Eric realized he might need to take drastic measures.