Always Faithful

by Caitlyn Willows

  Sunlight blinded them as they stepped from the courthouse. Squinting, Rowan turned in to Phillip to protect her eyes. This, too, seemed natural and right. He had his arm around her and she tucked into the cove of his body. By chance, she looked up. Their simultaneous step faltered. He caught her chin on the crook of his finger, dusting the surface with his thumb. Rowan tilted her face toward him, willing him to close the distance. By slow degrees, he bent to her, his lips parted.

  “How’d it go?” Zach strode toward him. Phillip’s car now sat beside her van.

  Muttering a curse, Phillip set Rowan away from him. “Besides pissing off the judge, it went great. Nothing more than the stroke of a pen. As far as hearings go, it was easy.”

  “That’s good.” Zach opened the van door for Rowan. “But it’s going to take a lot more effort to get you out of the next one.”

  They turned puzzled frowns his way.

  “I called Mike while you were in court. Rowan’s colonel is furious and wants to see all players once we get back. He also has some questions about your current relationship. Considering what I just saw, I can understand that. In any event, for what it’s worth, it’s probably not going to look good if the two of you drive up in the same vehicle. A little too cozy.”

  Phillip snatched open the passenger door on the van and guided Rowan to the seat. “We have good reason to be together.”

  Zach grabbed his arm before he could move any farther. “Sometimes it just doesn’t matter. Trust me on this one, please. If you’re worried about Rowan’s safety, I’ll ride back with her.”

  When Phillip relented, Rowan scooted into the driver’s seat. She needed something to occupy her during the awkward silence of driving back with Zach. Silence was the last thing she got.

  “You realize, of course, that Phillip will be up here in Twentynine Palms visiting Ian every chance he gets.”

  Rowan nodded but kept her gaze on the road. “Trying to make up for lost time. I understand that. He wants to be more than just a part-time father. And after all that’s happened, he deserves that chance.”

  “You can bet he’ll be an active participant in this parenting thing. I’ve never known Phillip to do anything halfway, no matter what he tackles. There are a lot of people out there who are saying he could be promoted to colonel if he wanted—maybe even general one day.”

  “And does he want it?” From the corner of her eye she saw Zach shrug.

  “As I said, he never does things by half measures.”

  “Are you trying to tell me that Ian is a hindrance to him?”

  “Not Ian. You.”

  If she had been walking, Rowan would have stumbled. She didn’t know what to say, how to respond. Zach saved her from having to reply.

  “You still care for each other. That’s more than obvious to anyone who’s looking. Even if you can’t admit it to one another right now, some day you will. Your actions are already giving you away. And don’t try to play games with me by denying it. You could cut the sexual tension between the two of you with a knife.”

  All right, I won’t. But what am I supposed to do? “Zach, I’m not stupid. I know what would happen to us if the military knew we were together.”

  “But how can you stop it? What would you have done this morning if I hadn’t been sitting there when you woke up? What would have happened now if I hadn’t busted in just now?”

  The thought heated her cheeks and ignited those aching places again.

  “I’m not saying the two of you should never be together. That’s too cruel to even think about, but you can’t do it while you’re both in the Marine Corps. One of you will have to resign first.”

  “And you think it should be me?”

  “I think you both need to be realistic.”

  Tears clouded her eyes. Rowan eased onto the shoulder of the road, put the van into park and clenched her fists on the steering wheel.

  “I don’t know what to do, Zach. I’ve worked my ass off these last nine years, trying to get through a pregnancy where I was sick more times than I was well, trying to get over the death of my father, to help my mother through her grief and to survive and support the three of us because the hospital and funeral took all our insurance then some.

  “I worked hard in the Marine Corps. Took every opportunity I could to get ahead. Be realistic? I’m always that. It’s gotten me through some rough times. But one look at Phillip and I regret all we’ve missed. I honestly don’t know what to do.”

  “What about when your current tour is over? Would you consider getting out of the Corps?”

  “I told you. I don’t know what to do. I don’t see why I should be the one to make the sacrifice when it’s easier for Phillip to resign his commission. If the Marine Corps didn’t have its silly rules about officers and enlisted fraternizing, this wouldn’t be an issue.”

  “Please don’t cry.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

  She glanced out of the back window to where Phillip’s car idled behind them. “He’s going to wonder what’s wrong. I don’t want him to see me crying.”

  “I’ll take care of that. I’ll tell him you threw me out.”

  The idea was laughable. “He’d never believe it.”

  “Sure, he will. I can be very convincing. I’m a lawyer. It’s what I do for a living. Just drive off and I’ll take care of the rest.”

  Zach popped open the door and jumped out. The instant it was shut, she pulled back onto the road.

  Lies. All of it lies. She’d give up everything she’d worked so hard for in a heartbeat if only Phillip would ask.

  Phillip stared at Rowan’s van as she sped off down the road. “What did you do?”

  Zach sank into the seat and looked away. “The wrong thing. Can we leave it at that?”

  “Did you have an argument?”

  “Something like that. She chewed me out pretty good,” his friend muttered.

  “Over what?”

  “Something stupid. Could we let it go? Let’s just say I’m sufficiently chastised and embarrassed.”

  Phillip pulled into traffic to follow her.

  “Have you thought about how you’re going to handle this?” Zach stared out the window. “You’ll be with them every weekend, every holiday. It’s only a matter of time before the inevitable happens. How discreet do you think you can be when both of you glow like supernovas when you’re near each other? Phillip, your career will be over.”

  “Frankly, I’d give it all up in the blink of an eye if I thought we could have a life together.” When Zach snorted, Phillip shot him a glance. “You said it yourself. I never should have let her go in the first place. I’m not sure I’m willing to let her go now. I don’t think I could stand it if there was another man in her life.”

  “You might not have a choice.”

  “Yes, I know that, too. As I said, I would need to know where she stood before I consider resigning from the Corps. Any other suggestions?”

  Zach parked his elbow on the door and leaned his head against his hand. “Not this time. I think I need to stop trying to be the voice of reason and butt out. You are on your own from now on, pal.”

  “That’s what I figured.”

  * * * *

  Colonel Scott folded his hands on the desk before him. Rowan couldn’t tell if he was getting ready to explode or fighting the urge to do so. They sat in his office—she, Phillip, Zach, Jess and Mike, waiting for the back swing of the pendulum.

  “I’m going to make this as quick as possible. I know all of you are working together to find the evidence to clear our staff sergeant here. It’s not quick enough. There has been nothing but one disruption after another and I’m running out of patience.” He turned to Jess. “I can’t speak for your office, Mr. Alderman, but as for the rest of you”—he scanned the room—“this is your priority. Nothing comes before it. Do I make myself clear?”

  ‘Yessir’s rumbled through the room.

  “Captain Taylor, yo
ur command has generously offered your assistance. I’m sure that thrills you to no end.”

  “To pieces, sir.”

  The colonel shot him a sharp look. “Good. Dismissed, except for you two.” He waved his hand at Rowan and Phillip. Reluctantly they resumed their seats while the others hurried from the room.

  Colonel Scott leaned back and steepled his fingers under his chin. “Captain, your colonel and I are wondering if a charge of fraternization needs to be entertained. Convince us otherwise.”

  It didn’t take more than a few words for Rowan to realize how Phillip had gained his reputation as one of the best attorneys in the business. He was confident, eloquent and coherent. Not once did he falter. His argument was convincing, ending with the logic that there would be some degree of fraternization because of the child they had to raise together. Surely the commands would understand and be sympathetic to that. After all, this was not entirely their doing but a mistake wrought years before by his father.

  Her colonel nodded slowly. “Very good. I trust you both on this one. Just make sure you leave no stones unturned in her defense. She is a valued member of my staff.”

  “I’m doing all I can, sir.”

  Summarily dismissed, they beat a hasty retreat and hurried toward Phillip’s small office. Rowan assumed they would probably re-comb through the evidence, searching for clues missed before. Instead, Phillip suddenly excused himself and left her standing outside. He hurried to the parking lot where Laura Cushing was pulling to a stop.

  “Nice looking couple,” Malcolm Collins said.

  He could be no more than five feet behind Rowan, but she didn’t bother to turn around and acknowledge him.

  “Always on opposite sides of the courtroom, but from what I understand, it makes for a great time making up afterward. They’ve been hot and heavy for a year now with no signs of slowing down—at least, that’s what a friend tells me. They love to argue and patch it up.”

  He laughed but there was no humor in his tone. In fact, it chilled Rowan.

  “Personally, I can’t see it. You women are all alike. Always want what someone else has. Never satisfied.”

  Rowan spun around, prepared to tell Collins to shut up, but he’d already ducked back inside the office. She refused to believe it was true and was afraid that a glance toward the couple would verify all Collins had said. Keeping her chin up and her eyes clear, Rowan walked on to Phillip’s office alone.

  Laura hauled her briefcase from the backseat. “What do you want?”

  “I need your car tonight. Let me have the keys.” He held out his hand and wriggled his fingers.

  Laura slammed the car door shut and knocked his hand aside. “I need. I want. Gimme, gimme, gimme. Who the hell do I look like, your fairy godmother?”

  “What’s the matter with you?”

  She poked a finger into his chest. Phillip winced from the jab and backed away, only to find himself trapped between her piercing nail and the fender.

  “You pompous, overbearing, arrogant bastard. Who do you think you are? No one’s feelings matter but your own. It’s no wonder McKinley ran out on you. I wish I could have had the guts to do it myself instead of letting you drop me first.” She shook her head. “Obvious physical attributes aside, I don’t know what I ever saw in you in the first place. I’m not an obedient dog you can order around, Phillip. You deliberately humiliated me by dragging me to that autopsy. You didn’t have the common decency to let me know I would be prosecuting your old girlfriend and the mother of your child.”

  Phillip held out his arms, pleading. “Laura, I didn’t even know about—”

  “Don’t interrupt me while I’m talking. Then, when I try to discuss a valid trial issue with you, you embarrassed me in front of her, Zach and two strangers”—she rammed her finger into his chest again for emphasis—“by announcing our previous relationship. Now you have the gall to demand my car?”

  She drew her shoulders back and took in a deep breath. “I’m not your doormat, Phillip. I’m a living, breathing human being with feelings you can’t even begin to comprehend. I deserve a little respect from you as an attorney, a woman, a coworker and a former… God, girlfriend doesn’t even fit. How about liaison? Because that’s all it was to you, wasn’t it? Or do I not even rate the respect of that title?”

  Phillip stared at her in mute shock. He’d realized the raw deal he’d given Laura days ago. What had happened to his good intentions since then? Had he become so entrenched in his own problems that even the simplest of apologies had slipped his mind? Apparently so. Knowing he had used Laura for his own gain hadn’t registered. It was a nasty habit he had continued to nurture, despite the personal and moral revelations of late.

  Phillip cupped both of his hands around her rigid fist. “I’m sorry, Laura. You’re absolutely right and I’m surprised you didn’t let me have it long before now, because I certainly have deserved it. I don’t have any excuses for the way I’ve behaved to you or to anyone over these last several years. All I can say is that it’s been like having a stranger living inside me, and I didn’t recognize that until recently. With everything that’s happened lately, I’ve come to realize that I need to think about more than myself.”

  She tucked her arms under her bosom and cocked out a hip. Staring at him, she narrowed her eyes. “Amazing, but I’m not sure I totally believe your sudden move toward morality.”

  “I’m trying my best.”

  Laura continued to stare at him, clearly trying to read his face for any deception. Finally, she relaxed.

  “Hmmm. For the first time in the year I’ve known you, I believe I’ve finally met the human side of Phillip Stuart. He doesn’t seem half bad.” She smiled.

  “Okay enough to at least forge a friendship with?” He smiled and extended his hand.

  Laura hesitated, then shook it. “It’s worth a try, even if we always do seem to be on opposite sides of the courtroom.”

  Phillip’s smile faded. “There’s no way you’re going to win this one.”

  “You never give up, do you?” She rolled her eyes and would have pulled away if he hadn’t held her in place.

  “Give me a chance to explain”—he motioned to his car—“over lunch at the Officers’ Club?”

  After giving him an indecisive once-over, she leaned against her car. “There’s no one around. I know you have more up your sleeve than you’re letting on—evidence, a witness, something. Just tell me here.”

  Laura listened without interruption and Phillip knew she was evaluating each piece of evidence as he presented it for possible flaws. He even included his suspicions about Collins.

  “Why didn’t you bring all this up at the Article 32?” she asked.

  “We’re trying to catch this guy. That’s why I was hoping to borrow your car tonight. Mine’s a little obvious.”

  “All right.” She pushed away and snatched up her briefcase. “But on one condition. I go with you.”

  * * * *

  Rowan watched the hands of the clock edge closer to ten. She longed to switch off the lights and get this business over with, but nothing unusual could occur that might alert their little spy.

  “Now?” she asked Zach and Mike.

  They looked at their watches and nodded.

  She flicked off the lights one by one…and waited.

  Mike peeked through the drapes. “I see headlights. He’s leaving. And there goes Phillip.”

  And Laura. What did it matter? This whole thing was giving her a headache. “I’m not about to sit around in a dark house waiting for news. I’m going to bed. Let me know if anything interesting happens.”

  * * * *

  “A bar. How fun.”

  Sarcasm dripped from Laura’s tongue. Phillip tried not to laugh. She’d been a good sport about lying in wait for Collins to show, then again when they waited for him to leave. But she was more of a morning person than a night owl and it was beginning to show.

  Phillip opened the door. “This is w
here we part company.”

  “Leave you here alone? In a bar in the middle of nowhere?”

  “I’d hardly call the center of town the middle of nowhere. I’ll phone a cab to take me back to base. Whatever is going on, I don’t want you in danger.”

  She shoved the car into park and turned off the ignition. “But it’s okay for you? Don’t you think it’s going to seem a little funny, you walking in there by yourself? At least with me along, we can pretend to be a couple.”

  Phillip paused. Not much argument he could give with that kind of logic. “Let’s go. You watch my back and I’ll watch yours.”

  The local bar was crowded for a Tuesday night, but it wasn’t hard to pick out their target. Collins sat in a corner booth, his back to the room. The two men with him looked like they had just crawled in from the outback—a week’s worth of whiskers, dusty clothing torn here and there, scruffy boots with the soles falling off. A wad of tobacco swelled one man’s lip to twice its proportion.

  Phillip selected a table across the room and pulled out a chair for Laura. He still had a pretty good view from this angle, then found himself wishing he didn’t. With barely a pause in his conversation, one of the desert rats spat tobacco juice into his empty beer glass. Phillip winced.

  “Pretty disgusting, isn’t it?” The waitress slapped coasters onto the table.

  Phillip glanced up, glad for the diversion.

  “Too bad we can’t restrict the clientele. Those two bums would be the first ones I’d kick out,” she said. “I’m surprised to see a jarhead hanging around with them.”

  “Who are they?” Phillip asked.

  “Junk dealers. Scrap men. And they don’t much care where they get it. They did time once for stripping stolen cars. Word has it they were also caught stealing copper wire from the Marine base once, but nothing was ever done.” She gave an exaggerated shudder. “They give me the creeps. Plus, they’re lousy tippers. So, what’ll it be tonight?”