Bound by Duty

by Valerie Hansen

  “Not if you thought you had a victim at the scene already. You know the dogs are trained to bite and hold on. The fact that Star took a couple of hits before he stunned her and escaped proves how good that training is.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my dog,” Linc said, grimacing. “It’s my training that needs refreshing.”

  The dark-haired veterinarian chuckled and clapped him on the back. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. She’s going to recover. The X-rays are just to be on the safe side. If it is cracked ribs, it’s nothing life-threatening.”

  “If I ever catch up to the lowlife who kicked her, there’ll be something life-threatening for him. Me.”

  “Spoken like a dedicated K-9 handler.” The vet approached a coffee urn and slipped two Styrofoam cups off the stack, handing one to Linc. “Help yourself. Creamer and sugar are over there.”

  “Thanks. I didn’t get my usual shot of caffeine this morning.” He filled his cup. “I was planning to have coffee with Sergeant Sullivan.”

  “I gather there’s a big mess over there?”

  “Yeah.” Linc was shaking his head as he followed Roark to a small table, plopped into a folding chair and wrapped both hands around his steaming cup. “I thought the sergeant had been cut to pieces when I first saw her.” He suppressed a shudder.

  “So I understand.” The captain’s dark gaze narrowed on the sergeant. “What’s the deal with you and her, anyway?”

  “Sullivan? Nothing special. Master Sergeant James ordered me to stick close and see what I can learn by finessing information out of her.”

  “Uh-huh.” Folding his muscular arms across an equally strong chest, Roark began to grin. “You sticking with that story?”

  “It’s true.”

  “Right. And I’m the commander in chief.” His expression of good humor softened. “There’s nothing wrong with two sergeants becoming involved. At least you’re not breaking any rules if you decide to date her.”

  “It’s not like that. I’m just taking most of the daytime watches so she’ll get comfortable with me and open up.” He made a face into his coffee cup instead of looking at the captain. “I have decided she’s not hiding info about her brother.”

  “So you trust her?”

  “Enough. She’s got a little boy. I don’t think she’d do anything that might put him in jeopardy.” A flash of pain crossed the vet’s face so briefly that if Linc had not been looking straight at him he would have missed seeing it. “Hey, sorry, Captain. I wasn’t thinking.”

  Roark shrugged nonchalantly, but Linc wasn’t fooled. The memory had hurt. “It’s okay. It happened a long time ago.”

  Knowing that the man had lost both his wife and a young daughter—and during the Christmas season to boot—Linc decided to change the subject. “What’s the prognosis for Star? Do you think she’ll be sidelined long?”

  “I doubt it. If nothing’s broken, she should get over any soreness in a few days or so. Even with cracked ribs, she can do light duty.” His smile returned. “I don’t recommend you send her on any more solo chases for a while, though.”

  “Yeah. My fault entirely.”

  “What about Sergeant Sullivan? Did she sustain any injuries in the attack?”

  Linc shook his head. “That’s the crazy part. Whoever broke into her apartment apparently did it to unhinge her. I’m actually surprised that she recovered enough to function this morning.”

  “Women are not the weaker sex, in case you haven’t noticed. We may be physically stronger, but they have us beat when it comes to rolling with the punches. Look at how she refuses to be cowed by a murderous brother. I’d have my back to a wall and be locked and loaded 24/7 if Boyd Sullivan came from my family. My older sister is bad enough.” His smile spread to a grin. “She’s a major in the army.”

  “Wow. I see what you mean.”

  Relaxing in the chair and stretching, Roark asked, “What about your kin, Colson? Are they military, too?”

  Linc wished he could find a hole in the floor and dive through it. “One was. We don’t talk about him.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Kyle Roark said. “Every family has its unsavory relatives. You just have to dig deep enough and there they are.”

  “Yeah.” Thinking of Zoe, Linc asked, “Do you know anything about Sergeant Sullivan’s late husband? His name was Flint. John Flint.”

  “Not offhand. Why?”

  “It’s not important. Apparently, he wasn’t the finest representative of the air force either.”

  “We take what we can get,” the vet replied. “Some recruits are better than others. Take Airman Fielding, for instance. At first glance, she seems a bit on the flighty side, but she’s the best tech I’ve had in years.”

  “What’s her story?”

  Roark shrugged. “Beats me. She’s not a typical chatty female. When I’m doing surgery that’s a plus, believe me.”

  Linc stood, disposed of his empty Styrofoam cup and waited for his companion to join him. “I’m ready to go back and see about Star.”

  “Okay, okay. We’ve had a long enough break, anyway.” He clapped Linc on the shoulder. “Remember what I said about women. It’s okay to take up with somebody of equal rank. You won’t lose stripes over it.”

  “That’s not what’s stopping me.”

  “Oh?” They proceeded down the short hall together.

  “Marriage is not for me. Never was. Never will be.”

  “Sounds pretty final.”

  “It is. Just because I believe she’s been truthful about her brother doesn’t mean I trust her regarding all the harassment she’s receiving. She keeps insisting she has no idea who’s doing this to her, yet it seems irrational that she wouldn’t have at least a glimmer of a clue.”

  “You’ve classed her as an honest person, right?”

  “Right.” Not sure what the captain’s point was, Linc waited for more.

  “Then maybe she’s too forthright to recognize lies coming from those around her. I’ve known people like that. They have trouble seeing beyond the good and grasping the bad in others.”

  “Naive, you mean?”

  Sobering, the captain led the way into his office and gestured toward a leather chair. “Have a seat.”

  “What about Star?”

  “They’ll notify me when she’s ready for further examination. I want to talk about you for a minute.” He circled his desk, sat down, pushed aside a short stack of files and clasped his hands atop the blotter.

  “Okay.” Given no other choice if he intended to see his K-9 soon, Linc eased into the chair Roark had indicated.

  “Tell me about your combat experiences.”

  “Whoa. Where did that come from?”

  “I’m getting the idea that there’s more to your decision to stay single than you’ve admitted, that’s all. Would you like to talk about it?”

  A wall immediately rose around Linc’s emotions. He knew he could refuse to discuss his past, and seriously considered doing so, yet there was something about Kyle Roark’s manner and voice that urged him to open up. If the captain had pressed him, he was positive he could have held out. Since Roark merely waited and seemed relaxed about it, he decided to reveal a little.

  “I lost part of my unit in Afghanistan.”

  A nod. “Understood.”

  “We were acting on bad intel and walked into an ambush. I barely got out alive. Some of the guys didn’t.”

  “Not your fault, was it?”

  “Not directly. We’d been befriended by the most beautiful dark-eyed woman I’d ever seen. Even with her hair covered, she was a stunner.” Swallowing hard, he struggled to go on. “I wasn’t the only one who fell for her lies. She was easy to believe.”

  “Again, that’s not your fault. I’m sure she was well trained in fooling the enemy.”

&
nbsp; “Well, she was good at it. We followed her advice and walked right into a trap.”

  “You can’t classify all women as liars because one tricked you. That’s a lousy reason to reject romance.”

  “It’s not just her,” Linc countered. “It’s a lot of things. My dad was the best liar I’ve ever known. He had everybody convinced he was some kind of hero when he was anything but.”

  “Sociopathic, maybe?”

  “Maybe.” Getting to his feet, Linc began to pace. “Look, I appreciate your concern, Doc, really I do, but all I want to do is be the best at my job and handle the best dog. Star and my badge are all I need. Deeper involvement with a subject I’m assigned to watch would be idiotic.”

  “So, how about somebody else?”

  “Not interested.”

  Chuckling, the veterinarian rose and followed Linc to the office door. All he said was “Uh-huh. That’s what I thought.”

  ELEVEN

  Wearing her spotless dress uniform instead of her camo ABU, Zoe squared her shoulders, briefcase in hand, smoothed her blue skirt below the white blouse and strode from the parking lot to her classroom, expecting it to already be at least half-filled with students. Instead, it was empty.

  Confusion momentarily halted her in her tracks. Where was everybody? Surely, she hadn’t made a mistake about her duty schedule. That was impossible.

  A tall, distinguished lieutenant general in uniform, his chest heavy with medals, appeared behind her at the door and cleared his throat. Zoe turned and snapped to attention with a brisk salute. “General Hall.”

  “As you were, Sergeant Sullivan. I came by to tell you we won’t be needing you here today, or until whatever problems you have with your stalker are resolved.”

  “But, sir—”

  “No buts. I sent you a memo after the final decision was made, but I thought it only fair to deliver this news in person, as well. You’re officially relieved of duty until further notice.”

  Zoe was stunned. She hadn’t done one thing to deserve being sidelined. Not one thing. Except be an innocent victim. Didn’t the brass realize that?

  There was nothing to do but submit, like it or not. “Yes, sir. What’s my alternate assignment?”

  “You have none. Not for the present. You’re free to go wherever you wish on base. Just don’t leave.”

  Realizing that she was gaping at the officer, she snapped her jaw closed. Clearly, there was going to be no chance to present an argument. She saluted again despite her disappointment. “Yes, General Hall.”

  “That’s all. You’re excused,” he said before turning on his heel and leaving.

  Zoe stood there, still and mute, while her temper threatened to come to a boil. The brass were blaming her, too, same as the enlisted members did. Everybody and his brother thought she was breaking rules and running amok when all she was trying to do was live a peaceful life and teach to the best of her ability. Only now they weren’t going to allow her to do that either, were they?

  She internally shook herself, refusing to be a victim of crime or of her superiors’ decisions. What steps she would take next were unknown. The only thing she was sure of was that she wasn’t going to sit on her hands and stew when she could be taking action. Any action. If she had to poke around in the lives of those she suspected might be holding a grudge and reveal who her nemesis was without help or sanction, then so be it. As long as Colson continued to accompany her, she figured she’d be safe enough leaving familiar surroundings.

  Zoe didn’t know where she’d have to look or who her snooping might upset, nor did she care. She was already persona non grata on base. A few more ruffled feathers wouldn’t hurt a bit.

  Heels clicking on the hard floor, briefcase swinging at her side, she waited until she was out in the warm sunshine before making a call on her cell phone.

  Linc Colson answered almost immediately.

  “This is Sergeant Sullivan,” Zoe said. “Sorry to bother you. How is Star? Freddy’s worried.” She paused, then finished with the full truth, “So am I.”

  “I’m still at the vet hospital waiting to hear,” Linc said. “Captain Roark thinks she may have cracked ribs, but otherwise she’s looking pretty good.”

  “When will you know for sure?”

  “Soon. Why? Has there been more trouble?”

  “Yes, in a manner of speaking. I’ve just been relieved of duty. No more teaching or anything else until we figure out who’s been making my life miserable.”

  “You’re not teaching any classes today?”

  Zoe could tell by his tone that he was worried and she understood why. She wasn’t exactly fond of the decision to sideline her either. “Not today or anytime in the foreseeable future according to Lieutenant General Hall. It’s the pits.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I just left my empty classroom. Why?”

  “Because you need protection, especially if you’re going to be wandering around the base. I’ll call my headquarters and arrange an escort until I get through here.”

  “I don’t need a guardian to just go home.” Hesitating, she said, “Tell you what. Why don’t I come to you? That way I’ll know how Star is as soon as you do, and we can leave there together when you’re ready.”

  “I don’t know. It might be hours.”

  “Ha! As if I had plans.” Shaking her head even though he couldn’t see her doing it, she added, “I’d rather hang out with you than have to break in a new bodyguard.”

  His muted chuckle came through. “Break in? Is that how you see our interaction? I’m not sure I like that opinion, Sergeant. It’s not very flattering.”

  “Okay. How about if I admit how scared witless I was this morning and appeal to your sympathetic nature? I desperately need a friend—or at least somebody who doesn’t view me as crazy or dangerous. Or both.” Zoe lowered her voice and softened the tone. “I can’t explain it any better than that, Colson. This hasn’t been the worst day of my life—yet—but it’s running a close second or third.”

  “All right. Do you know where the base dog-training complex is located?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m at the vet hospital between it and the enlisted rec center. You can’t miss it. And don’t try to walk all this way no matter how much you love Texas weather. Take a cab.”

  Smiling into the distance, Zoe could barely glimpse flags flying on the far side of the base. If she’d been clad for running or PT, she might have left her car behind and considered a brisk walk. Dressed in her uniform and the matching pumps that the outfit called for, however, she was far less inclined to go for a long hike, even on sidewalks.

  “No worries,” Zoe told Linc. “I drove over here this morning so I could drop off Freddy at preschool.”

  The temporary silence on the other end of the line gave her pause. She scowled when Linc said, “Tell you what, either I’ll come pick you up or you need to take a cab.”

  “Why? I told you I have my car.”

  His sigh was audible. “Yeah. You parked it there, right?”

  “Of course, I did. I couldn’t very well stuff it in my briefcase and carry it into class with me.”

  “Meaning it has sat unguarded for how long?”

  “Just a few minutes.” She looked at her watch. “Maybe fifteen at the most.”

  “Call a taxi.”

  The finality of his command jolted her rather than inciting anger. “You think somebody did something to my car? Why here? Why not back at my apartment?”

  “One, we kept an eye on it there and two, that parking lot is always real busy. The place you parked this morning is far more isolated.” He cleared his throat. “Humor me, Zoe. Be on the safe side. Call a cab. And do it now, before word gets around that you’ve been relieved of duty and your enemies start to figure out your new behavior patterns.”

&
nbsp; “I really hate feeling so vulnerable.”

  “I know. And I’m sorry. I’d be there right now if Star hadn’t got hurt.”

  “I’m the one who should apologize. You’re worried sick about her, and here I am causing you even more problems. I’ll be there ASAP. Watch for my taxi.”

  “Thanks,” Linc said.

  She could tell he meant it. “No, thank you, Sergeant. You may be the only one on base who believes in me. I do appreciate it.”

  “The cab,” he said gruffly.

  “Gotcha. Hanging up now and dialing a ride.”

  Despite the first pangs of an impending headache, Zoe did as she’d promised. Then she slowly approached her parked sedan and gave it a once-over, even leaned sideways to peer under it. Nothing seemed tampered with or added.

  Before her life had been so disrupted, she might easily have pulled out her keys and driven despite Linc’s dire warning.

  Now she wouldn’t touch that car if her life depended upon it. She straightened, fighting an unexpected wave of dizziness. And little wonder. If Linc was right, her life actually might depend upon following his orders. She wasn’t about to ignore his advice and test the concept.

  * * *

  When Linc completed the call, he noticed Captain Roark’s arched eyebrows, so he explained. “Sergeant Sullivan is coming here since I can’t go to her right now.”

  Roark shrugged. “You could, you know. Star is in good hands.”

  “I suppose so,” Linc said, “but my CO told me to stay with her until I could make a detailed report on her condition. We assumed Sullivan would be secure while she was teaching.”

  “I take it she isn’t?”

  Shaking his head, Linc said, “She may be safe enough but she isn’t teaching. They relieved her. I don’t understand why. She hasn’t done anything wrong. Everything’s circumstantial.”

  The veterinarian grinned. “Never try to reason out orders from up top, Sergeant. You’ll drive yourself crazy if you expect them to always make sense.”