“You’re all more than welcome.” Jackie then turned to Toni and extended her hand. “Thanks for coming, Toni.” I suppose I better try and make nice with her. Toni took the offered hand, which completely surprised Jackie. Holy shit! I think The Neanderthal might be evolving, it appears she’s found some manners from somewhere. Toni’s grip on her hand tightened uncomfortably. Okay, perhaps I was wrong. Jackie smirked and returned the pressure, pouring more into it than Toni had. A satisfied smile spread across her face as Toni winced. She half expected her to say something rude, instead, she restrained herself and looked angrily at her. “I think Ben has a new video game he wants to show you. I’ll call you once the food’s ready,” she told Richard and Charlie, who quickly ran off, then she turned back to Carrie and Toni. “Please, help yourself to whatever you’d like to drink.”
Toni’s glare remained as she turned on her heels and slouched off towards the house.
Jackie waited until she was away from them before her attention returned to Carrie. “What can I get you to drink?”
“I’d love a glass of wine.”
Jackie took her arm and guided her over to a table, she poured Carrie a glass, and retrieved a beer for herself. Raising her bottle, she gently tapped the neck to Carrie’s glass. “Cheers.” After taking a sip, she surveyed the garden to see if Toni was near. When she was sure she wasn’t, Jackie took a step closer to Carrie and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “You look amazing.”
Carrie raised her eyes to Jackie and gave her a shy smile. “Thank you, Major.” Then as she spotted Toni coming towards them, she stepped away from Jackie.
Jackie shuddered as the air around them grew thicker. “Excuse me, I need to mingle and say hello to some other people.” She immediately made her way over to a group of guests.
“Everyone, the food’s ready!” Robert shouted out. “It’s been set up in the house, go on in and help yourselves.”
Jackie stepped to the side as the battalion boys made a break for the house. “I’d keep cooking if I were you, Dad,” she called out. “By the time they’ve finished, there’ll be nothing left for the rest of us!” She and their respective other halves laughed.
Her attention still locked on the stampede of men, Jackie shrieked when a set of large arms picked her up and spun her around. She looked towards the culprit and let out a hearty laugh. Ruffling the flame red hair before her, she laughed hysterically. “Come on, Davis, put me down, you great big lug head!”
“No way,” he said resolutely, lowering her a little and clutching her to his chest as if she were a ragdoll. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, Major. I owe you my life,” he whispered in her ear, with a catch to his voice. He finally set her gently back on the ground and reached into his back pocket with his left hand and pulled a disc out, and nervously fiddled with it, before holding it out to her. “My family made a DVD for you, I hope you’ll sit down and watch it.”
“Of course I will,” she replied, taking it from his hand reverently. “Now go and get yourself a drink and something to eat. It’s a night about celebrating good friends.”
Davis smiled and nodded his head. “We’ve missed you.”
Jackie enveloped him in her arms. “I’ve missed you all, too.” Shaking her head at the antics, she excused herself past several people to make her way inside. The disc in hand, she put it in the desk drawer, locking it away, she turned to leave her office. Several feet from the door, Toni stood blocking her exit. Sighing heavily, she approached her. “What’s up, Toni?”
Toni’s lips curled into a sneer. “I wanted to come and give you a friendly piece of advice. Stay away from Carrie.”
Jackie rolled her shoulders. “What?”
Toni matched her movements, but failed to reach Jackie’s height. The top of her head barely met Jackie’s chin. “You heard me. I’ve seen the way you look at her, and the way you two behave together. Don’t even think about making a move on her—she’s mine.” Toni stepped closer, trying to intimidate Jackie.
Offended by the stale beer smell of Toni’s breath, Jackie inched back. “Toni,” she sighed impatiently as she stepped around her. “Carrie and I are friends—that’s all.” Not waiting for a reply, her jaw clenched as she strode back out to the party. Looking around the garden, she hoped to see Davis or Kinsey playing a prank on someone—her spirits needed to be lifted. Her anger dissipated when she saw her CO talking to her father. She strode purposefully towards them. “Sir, what are you doing here?” she asked, when she reached their side.
General Pearce toasted her with his beer bottle. “I heard there was a party and I wanted to get in on it. Sorry for gate-crashing.”
“You’re more than welcome. Please help yourself to anything.” She cringed, feeling awful for having left him out. She turned her attention to the crowd, and while listening to the women recounting the boy’s homecoming, something cold slipped into her hand. She looked down at the bottle of Corona, and turned to see who her saviour was...it was Carrie. “Thank you, Ms. Spencer.” She raised the bottle to her lips and took a sip.
“My pleasure, Major, I’m just delivering what I couldn’t at Headley.” Carrie took a step closer to whisper in Jackie’s ear. “You look very nice tonight. However, I have one piece of advice for you.” Jackie’s brow furrowed as their eyes met. “Don’t lean over into the beer bucket, I can see straight down your top when you do, and that’s an awfully cute bra you’re wearing.” Carrie seductively licked her lips. “I think there’s something rather sexy about black lace.”
Jackie’s eyes widened, and Carrie flashed a smile which could charm the birds from the trees. “Huh?” Jackie asked herself. She was about to follow with a reply when the General stood on a chair and called out her name.
“I’d like to thank Jackie and her family for having us,” he began. “Jackie, we’re pleased to have you back, you’ve been sorely missed.” He had to stop when another roar was heard from her battalion. “I do have a reason for being here tonight.” He took a deep breath, and stood tall, as he locked his gaze with Jackie’s. “I received an important piece of mail today.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and began to read it. “In regards to Major Jackie Holmes, it is with great honour that I announce she has been recognised for her service and bravery in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, and all throughout her military career. The state would like to award her The Victoria Cross. She is also to be promoted from Major Holmes, to Lieutenant Colonel Jackie Holmes.”
Taken aback, Jackie’s eyes widened, and she dropped her bottle of beer on the grass.
Robert reached for the letter and silently began to read. He looked up with tears in his eyes and rushed to Jackie, enveloping her in his arms. “It’s true, Jack! It’s bloody well true! I’m so proud of you!”
The garden erupted into cheers, and as soon as she had her feet back on the ground, she received many congratulatory hugs. When the crowd around her cleared, she scanned the area for the one person she really wanted by her side. Her wait wasn’t long. From behind the crowd, she stepped out, and before Jackie could say anything, Carrie fell into her arms and kissed her on the cheek.
“Well done, Lieutenant. I’m so proud of you.” Her voice was filled with emotion, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Jackie had no idea how to respond, all eyes were on her. If she did what she wanted to do, it would cause a stir. Bewildered, she pulled away from Carrie, allowing others to give congratulatory hugs.
Twenty minutes passed, and her leg began to ache. She’d strengthened the muscles in her good leg, but standing in one spot caused her to hurt. Walking around the garden, she began to search for her father, but her search was futile. I wonder where he’s gone.
He suddenly emerged from the house carrying two boxes of Champagne. “Here we go, everyone,” Robert’s voice cut through the noise of all the people gathered.
“Jesus Christ, Dad,” Jackie exclaimed as she moved to his side. “This must’ve cost a fortune.”
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Robert pulled the box open, exposing rows of bottles. Pulling one out, he un-wrapped the foil and began to undo the wire casing. “It doesn’t matter what it cost. When your only daughter receives one of the highest honours the state can bestow, it’s party time.” He twisted the cork and pulled it off with a resounding pop, the champagne sprayed out of the bottle and covered anyone within six feet.
“That was a refreshing spray,” Molly laughed from behind, with two boxes of champagne flutes. She set them down and grabbed Jackie up in a bear hug. “We couldn’t be more proud of you, love,” she proclaimed, kissing her cheek.
More bottles of champagne were opened quickly, and the glasses were handed out. Jackie took one for herself, and picked another up. She looked around the people gathered, and spotted Carrie standing a few feet away. Holding the flute in the air, she taunted Carrie to come take it.
“A toast,” Robert called out. “To, my amazing daughter. You’ve affected all of our lives in one way or another, you deserve all of this and more. Congratulations, my beautiful girl.”
Jackie blushed profusely as everyone toasted and cheered.
Hours passed, and the party began to wind down. The remaining guests were either stretched out on the garden furniture, or the grass.
Jackie spotted Carrie standing off to the side, not talking to anyone. She made her way over to her. “Hey, you, what are you doing over here on your own?” Carrie shrugged and kept her eyes down. “Where’s Toni? I thought she would’ve stuck to your side like glue.”
Carrie sighed heavily. “She’s gone for a walk. For some reason, she’s in a foul mood.”
Jackie grimaced. “I gathered as much when she cornered me by my office earlier.”
Carrie jerked her head in surprise. “She did what?”
“She warned me to stay away from you. Apparently, you’re her property.”
Carrie’s grip on her glass tightened. “That bloody woman is a menace! I told her not to start anything here. I’m so sorry, Jackie.”
“It’s okay.” She laid a calming hand on Carrie’s shoulder. “I can handle myself. I told her there’s nothing going on, and that we’re only friends.”
“Still, she had no right.”
“Hey, if I was with someone as beautiful as you, I would say something too.” Jackie snapped her mouth shut quickly, as the words registered in her ears. Well done, Jack. Open mouth insert foot.
Carrie put a hand to her chest, then took a step closer. She looked deeply into Jackie’s eyes. “You think I’m beautiful?”
“Well, yeah,” she admitted, shifting from one foot to the other uncomfortably, and scratching the back of her head. “Toni’s paranoid I’m going to sweep you off your feet, and run away with you.”
“It’s a good job you’re straight then, isn’t it?” Carrie winked mischievously.
Jackie took a sip of her beer, then cleared her throat. “I suppose if I was straight,” she sighed. “I did have a girlfriend once, it was way before Dave, and then I got married.” She chuckled as Carrie’s eyes widened. “Sorry, have I shocked you?”
“Just a little, Lieutenant.”
Their gazes locked. Damn, I really want to lean in and kiss those beautiful lips. She inhaled, leaned in, and before she could kiss Carrie, she stumbled back as Toni’s large body surged in between them. Toni grabbed hold of Carrie’s wrist, her hold so tight that her skin whitened. Taking a step forward Jackie raised her hand to stop her, but her eyes locked with Carrie’s. The pleading look in the beautiful blue pools stopped her.
She felt helpless as Toni roughly pulled Carrie toward the house. I need to keep an eye on what’s happening. Taking a couple of steps to her right to keep them in her sight, she saw Toni shove Carrie into the kitchen. Only another couple of steps were needed to keep them in view. From where Jackie stood, she could see Carrie backed into a corner, cowering as Toni’s finger waved in her face. She couldn’t hear anything, but it looked like she was shouting at her.
Enough is enough! Carrie shouldn’t have to put up with this shit anymore! Toni’s not going to treat her this way in my house. Forgetting her promise to Carrie, she snarled and marched into the house, set her bottle of beer on the table, and moved in close. “Not in my fucking house,” she rasped. A couple of people around her took a step back when they heard her deep angry tone.
Unbeknownst to her, she was being watched intently by Kinsey, who’d heard what she’d said, he quickly walked to one of the last remaining crowds of people, and told them what he’d seen.
“What, you fucking want her, Carrie?” Toni wrapped her hands around Carrie’s throat. “I’ll see you dead first.”
Judging from Carrie’s frantic clawing, she couldn’t breathe.
“Get your fucking hands off her!” Jackie bellowed, not caring if anyone heard.
Toni looked at her, and smiled menacingly, then grunted. Her hold lessened, allowing Carrie to suck air in through her open mouth.
Pulling up to her full height, Jackie stepped closer, her fists instantly clenched. “What? Did your rudeness and arrogance affect your hearing? I’m warning you!” she snarled like a feral wolf. “Let! Her! Go!” She struggled with what to do. She could advance and knock Toni on her ass, but she could risk hurting Carrie. Locking eyes, Carrie silently pleaded for help. Tears welled in her eyes and streamed down her cheek. When the tears reached Toni’s grasp, her gaze swept back to Carrie, her hand maintaining its grasp.
“I’m giving you one last chance, Toni!” Jackie said, changing her stance, ready for a fight. “Let her go before I kick your ass!”
Toni let out a cruel laugh and turned her attention back to Jackie. “Yeah right,” she scoffed. “What are you going to do to me? Look at you, you’ve only got one fucking leg!” She threw her head back and laughed again. “Yeah, real fucking challenge you’ll be.”
Just try me, you’ll go through the glass on the patio door faster than you can blink.
“I mean it. Let her go, before I teach you a lesson on how to treat a woman.” She took a step closer.
Toni’s laughter bubbled out again. “Yeah, you and who’s army?”
“How about Her Majesty’s army?” A deep voice boomed from the door way.
Jackie was shocked to hear Kinsey behind her. She was so absorbed in the situation, she hadn’t noticed him and a few of the others crowd into the kitchen doorway.
Toni’s mouth fell open—the colour swiftly drained from her face.
“Please, let her go,” Jackie asked in a softer voice.
Toni’s gaze swept from her to the lads, and her grip slowly loosened.
Instantly, Carrie ran and cowered behind Jackie, and her tears broke. The heaving sobs filled Jackie with pain and rage. “I think you need to leave now, don’t you?”
Kinsey stepped to Toni’s side and laid one of his large hands on her shoulder. “There’s a taxi on its way to take you home.”
Toni flinched as the big paw squeezed. “Come on, Carrie, get the kids, we’re leaving.”
Jackie turned and looked at Carrie, her frightened, watery eyes were begging her for help. “Carrie and the boys are staying here with me. You have two choices, Toni. You can get in that taxi and go home. Or I’ll call the police and have you arrested for assault. It’s your choice. But either way, I want you out of my house…now!”
Toni pierced them both with a murderous stare, then moved toward the kitchen door. She turned around to say something, but Kinsey and Davis grabbed her by the arms and escorted her out before she had a chance.
Jackie noticed the party had stopped around them, and all eyes were on her and Carrie. “Sorry about that, folks. Please continue to enjoy yourselves. There’s enough food and booze to last us for hours, carry on partying.” She pulled Carrie into a tight embrace and lifted her chin so she could look into her eyes. “Come with me. I need to have a look at your neck.”
Carrie buried her face into Jackie’s shoulder, rubbing her cheek on her shirt.
Ja
ckie guided Carrie upstairs and led her into her bedroom, sat her on the edge of the bed and squatted down in front of her. “Lift your head for me, Carrie. I need to see your neck.”
Carrie did as she requested and showed the red marks that would turn to bruises by morning, but as Jackie stood to find something to conceal it with, she jumped when Carrie wrapped her arms around her hips and held on tight.
“Thank you, you’re my hero,” she whispered.
Jackie rubbed Carrie’s arms gently and noticed she was cold. “Let me get you a sweater.” After fetching a jumper from her wardrobe, she slipped it over Carrie’s head, then retrieved a soft cotton scarf and arranged it around her throat. Taking Carrie’s hand, she pulled her to her feet. “No one will ever hurt you again.” In a moment of want, she raised Carrie’s hand to her mouth, then brushed her lips over the soft delicate skin. Lingering longer than she realized, she blushed. “I’m sorry.” She moved to leave.
Taking a chance, Carrie pulled her back and tugged her closer. “There’s no need to be sorry. You’re always soft and gentle with me.”
As Jackie leaned in, she placed a soft kiss on Carrie’s cheek. “Thank you, you’re beautiful.” Not giving her a chance to respond, Jackie pulled her by the hand, and led her back downstairs to the party. She knew if she’d allowed them the opportunity, it would’ve led to more, and this was not the right time for that.
As they stepped back into the garden, one of the battalion pointed out what was on Carrie’s jumper. Jackie rolled her eyes when she realised that the regiment insignia was above Carrie’s left breast. The rest of the battalion turned to look and a loud roar went up.
Carrie shrieked as she found herself hoisted into the air by four strong pairs of hands, but the heaviness in her heart lifted a little, as she giggled when the boys ran around the garden with her hoisted high above them.
Clever buggers, they knew she would feel awkward coming back out here, so they used this little trick to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. Hands folded behind her back, Jackie stood tall, proud to be part of such a great squad.
Hero Page 14
