Whiskey-Eyed Woman (Soldiering On Book 5)

by Aislinn Kearns

  That, she’d hold back on for now.

  “I have some friends with a very powerful man after them. We’ve found enough evidence to try him—or at least, his company—in the court of public opinion. But not, unfortunately, in the court of law. So, we’re hoping you can help.”

  Hannah considered those words carefully. “Why me?” she asked after a moment. “Why did you choose me to come to with this?”

  Destiny tilted her head, trying to find the words. “I’ve learned time and time again that the law enforcement in this city is…not what it should be. I thought I could make a difference, change the system from within. But nothing I do helps. I see corruption and cover-ups and kickbacks every day, and no one does a thing about it.” She paused. “Except you.”

  Their eyes locked, and Destiny’s stomach lurched, but she continued.

  “They hate you. You’re the only one standing against them, willing to take people to trial. And that gives me…hope, I guess. Hope things can change.”

  Hannah blinked, and Destiny could’ve sworn she hid tears. Then, a soft smile graced her face. “I’m so glad you see it. I’m so glad I’m not fighting alone, that I’m making a difference.”

  “I know what you mean. It’s so easy to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle alone. But you’re definitely making this city better.”

  They shared a smile, as warriors might share a drink after a battle to commiserate and celebrate. Destiny recognised her own passion for justice in this woman, for doing what’s right against impossible odds.

  A connection built between them, a bridge constructed of shared experiences and beliefs. She felt the urge to get to know this woman better, to be her friend. Or something more.

  “I like the photos. Your family?” Destiny winced at the abrupt change in topic. Normally she was smoother than that.

  “Yes. My sister and her daughter. They’re like peas in a pod—equally troublesome.”

  Destiny cracked a laugh, then stopped as Hannah eyed her strangely. “What?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious. Did she still have lettuce in her teeth from lunch?

  Hannah really did blush this time, her cheeks blooming red. “Nothing, you just…” she cleared her throat. “You have the brightest smile of anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s…pretty,” she mumbled into her desk.

  Destiny grinned as a thrill went through her. Surely that was a sign Hannah was interested in women—better yet, interested in her?

  “Thank you,” she said, her own cheeks heating with pleasure. They shared a small, private smile, and Destiny’s heart tumbled.

  “So, tell me what evidence you’ve got,” Hannah said. “And I’ll help you take this bastard down.”

  Mandy waited with Destiny and Duncan at a small café Destiny recommended. It was a reasonably-sized place, and about half the tables were filled. Mismatched furniture gave the place a casual vibe that Mandy appreciated, and their coffee was amazing.

  Apparently, ADA Hannah Armstrong would meet them there, hear their case, and potentially help them. It seemed almost too good to be true.

  Mandy slanted a glance at Duncan, but he stared at his empty glass as if another latté might magically appear. He hadn’t looked at her once since they’d left her father’s office. Had she done something wrong? He should be excited, since they now knew the name of the man pursuing them. Instead, he just looked miserable.

  “Duncan…” she said.

  He stood abruptly. “I’m going to get another coffee.”

  Mandy swallowed and nodded even though he wouldn’t look at her to see. She tried to blink back the hurt she felt. Was this about last night?

  Destiny leaned forward over the table. “Are you and Duncan alright?” she whispered, her gaze flickering to Duncan as he waited in line, then back to Mandy.

  Mandy let out a long sigh. “I don’t know.”

  Destiny narrowed her eyes as she studied Mandy. “Did something…happen between you two?”

  Mandy choked on air at the words. Was it so obvious? Was it written across her face that she and Duncan had shared…something the night before?

  “Not really. Kind of. Again, I don’t know.” She chanced a glance at Duncan, who was now one person away from the front of the line.

  “You two were alone all night,” Destiny teased.

  Mandy rolled her eyes. She considered Destiny for a moment. “Look, you’ve known him a long time, right? You served together?”

  Destiny nodded.

  “So, what…why does he hate me so much?” she blurted out, frustration overwhelming her.

  Destiny reared back. “He doesn’t hate you.”

  Mandy made a sound of frustration, spinning her empty mug on her plate. “Well, okay. He sometimes likes me, but he desperately doesn’t want to, and hates that he does. Would that be more accurate?”

  Destiny eased back in her chair, tapping her spoon thoughtfully on the table. “I’ve never seen Duncan like this with anyone except you.”

  Mandy scoffed. “Great, I’m special. The only one to draw his considerable ire.”

  Destiny shook her head. “It’s not that. Duncan was a soldier for most of his life. You put a gun in his hand, he knows what to do. He interacts perfectly well with other people in the military, because he knows what’s expected of him in that situation. By all accounts his father was the same.”

  “But I’m not military?” Mandy guessed.

  “Exactly. He’s not quite sure how to react to you, I don’t think. He has all the confidence in the world when it comes to saving lives, but put in front of an attractive woman—particularly one he feels is out of his league—and he’s at a loss.”

  Mandy stared at Destiny. “That’s how he sees me? As some princess?”

  Destiny shrugged. “It’s his way of protecting himself. If he let himself see you for who you really are, he’d realise you’re perfect for each other, and that scares him far more.”

  Mandy growled. “First my father, now Duncan. Why are men so emotionally stunted?”

  Destiny grinned. “Why do you think I became a lesbian?”

  Mandy snorted a laugh. She opened her mouth to reply, but Duncan chose that moment to return, plonking his latté on the table too hard so it sloshed over the sides.

  “What were you two talking about?” he asked.

  Mandy glanced at Destiny, who gave her a look that made it clear she’d let Mandy take the lead.

  “I was just telling Destiny how grateful I was that you were there today. With my father.”

  Duncan grunted.

  “Great that you got a name out of him,” Destiny tried.

  Duncan grunted again.

  “What’s wrong?” Mandy asked. He usually at least attempted full words.

  Duncan slowly raised his gaze to hers, his jaw tight. “Maybe your father is right, maybe we should disband the company.”

  Mandy drew in a shocked breath. She darted a glance at Destiny, who looked equally horrified.

  “Why?” Mandy hissed.

  He shrugged. “So far it’s brought you nothing but trouble. You’ve nearly died twice. You’d be much safer with your father’s company.”

  Mandy spluttered, trying to get a word out past the fury building in her. “Safe, maybe, but miserable. Are you seriously telling me you’d give up Soldiering On? Is this about last night? Or is this yet another ploy to get rid of me?”

  Duncan scowled. “No ploy. I just don’t like the thought of you in danger.”

  “Well I don’t like the thought of living the rest of my life working a soul-sucking job with my father who doesn’t listen to me at all. Though right this minute I’m struggling to find a difference in that department.” She glared at him, trying to get him to drop it.

  Duncan’s jaw jumped, his eyes blazing. “Well, what if I decide not to rebuild? You can’t do it without me.”

  “Bullshit. I can do whatever I want, and you’d never give this up.” She chanced a glance at Destiny, who looked like she’d rat
her be anywhere but there. Mandy remembered what her friend had said about Duncan, how he didn’t deal well with situations like this. With great effort, she pushed back her anger and tried to figure out what he was really afraid of.

  Duncan’s gaze met hers. “Without Soldiering On, you’d live a long and cushy life.”

  He was afraid for her. He was afraid she was in danger, and he was pulling this stunt in a misguided attempt to protect her.

  She gentled her voice, as if talking to a wild animal. “Duncan, we’ll get through this. Once Tulane—Fairfax—is defeated, we’ll be home free.”

  He didn’t say anything, just stared sullenly at his coffee.

  “And who said I wanted a cushy life, anyway? I’d rather have excitement doing something I love than living in some gilded tower.” Hopefully that would penetrate that thick skull of his.

  He glanced up, his gaze burning. All her breath left her in a rush at the heat in his gaze. The world narrowed to just the two of them, all the other patrons fading away.

  Her skin heated. She wanted to say something, but didn’t know what.

  “She’s here,” Destiny’s voice broke through the spell and Mandy stared at the table for a long moment to gather herself before glancing up.

  “We’ll discuss this later,” Duncan said.

  Mandy shook her head. “No we won’t.” Then, she turned towards the newcomer.

  ADA Hannah Armstrong wasn’t what Mandy had expected. Her dark hair hung loose, her pale skin free of makeup, and she wore jeans and a casual top.

  Destiny, too, seemed surprised, based on the way her eyebrows shot to her hairline. She waved, and Hannah headed towards them and slid into the unoccupied seat to Destiny’s right.

  “Hi,” Hannah said, almost breathlessly, her eyes on Destiny.

  “Hi,” said Destiny with a slow smile.

  Mandy’s lips quirked at the two of them.

  Hannah shook her head and turned to Duncan and Mandy. “How are you both? I hear you’ve been having some trouble lately.”

  Mandy huffed out a breath at the understatement, but just shrugged.

  “We’re fine,” she said eventually. “We just want to bring this bastard down.”

  Chapter 8

  “That went well, don’t you think?” Mandy asked as they pulled up outside Zack’s house. “She’ll help us?”

  Duncan grunted in reply. When Mandy glared at him, he sighed and elaborated. “I think so. She seems on the up and up.”

  “But?”

  “But who knows? Maybe she’s not who she seems, maybe Tulane will find her weak spot and convince her to drop the charges, maybe he’ll kill her.”

  Mandy gasped. “He wouldn’t.”

  Duncan shrugged, glancing over at her. “He tried to kill us. It’s not much different.”

  “She’s a federal employee.”

  “Somehow I don’t think that will matter.”

  They fell silent as Mandy mulled that over. She didn’t like the idea of putting anyone else in danger, but she knew they needed help, and Hannah Armstrong was the best person to do that.

  “Should we warn her?” she asked.

  “Already did,” he replied.

  He reached for the door.

  “Wait!”

  In sudden panic, Mandy reached across him and gripped his wrist before he could open it. He could’ve shaken her off, but instead he froze. She was acutely aware of her side pressed against his hard chest, his warmth, the tension in his muscles.

  Mandy slowly raised her gaze, her heart thundering in her chest. Even her breath came in uneven spurts.

  Their eyes met. His gaze was hot, needy, piercing into the core of her and lighting it aflame. She took a deep breath, but that just made it worse, as his scent filled her nostrils with a mixture of gunpowder and woody smoke. She wanted to breathe him in, to touch her tongue to him and taste him again.

  “Duncan…” she murmured, and the tension in his muscles tightened even further.

  His gaze dropped to her lips, and she licked them in anticipation. Would he snap like he had last night, kiss her hot and rough and wonderful? Or would he go slow this time?

  He did neither.

  Instead, he used his free hand to slowly peel Mandy’s grip from his arm and levered her back into her own seat.

  Frustrated at the rejection, an ache of loneliness pooled in her gut. Why did he have to be so stubborn? Was Destiny right, and he was just projecting? Or was there more to it than that?

  “We need to talk about last night,” she told him in as firm a voice as she could manage while working to get her breathing back under control.

  He reached for the door handle again, so fast it might have been an automatic gesture, but he froze before he could open it.

  “There’s nothing to discuss. We made a mistake, and we should forget about it.”

  Mandy narrowed her eyes. “Maybe you made a mistake, but I didn’t. I knew exactly what I was doing.”

  Duncan squeezed his eyes shut and tilted his head back against the headrest with a thump as if he was in pain.

  “We can’t do this.”

  “Why not?” Anger bubbled up inside her, two years’ worth of frustration and rejection and confusion. “People work together while in a relationship all the time. We’re clearly attracted to each other. I like you, though the jury is still out on whether you like me. I just don’t understand why you’re making this so hard?”

  He tilted his head to look at her, looking as frustrated and furious as she felt.

  “Why are you pushing this so hard?”

  “Because I want an answer! I want you to tell me once and for all why you give me all these mixed signals. Do you hate me, or not?”

  Duncan sighed, a heavy sound. “I’m sorry I ever gave you the impression that I hated you.”

  She waited, but he didn’t say anything more. “That’s it? That’s all I get?”

  He leaned forward so quickly he might have got whiplash. “What do you want me to say? That I’m not good enough for you? Do you need me to spell it out for you? I’m a broken-down old soldier, Mandy. I don’t have much money. I can’t give you any of the things you’re used to. That you deserve to have. All I have to offer is a bad leg and a bank account that will be sadly depleted when this mess is through.”

  Mandy sat frozen as he poured out his heart. Even after he was done, she held still, afraid to move, or breathe. He’d finally admitted to her what he’d been thinking for the last two years.

  And he was so, so wrong.

  “I don’t care about any of that stuff. Surely you know that by now. All I want is you.”

  Before she could change her mind, she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.

  Duncan made a sound low in his throat as their lips met clumsily, fiercely, all passion and no finesse. She’d thought she might have to coax him to respond again, but the dam had broken, his control snapping faster than it had last night.

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and hauled her closer until she was nearly in his lap. It wasn’t close enough. Mandy slipped a hand under the hem of his t-shirt, planting her palm against his firm abs.

  The muscles contracted at her touch, and she grinned against his mouth, kissing him back even more fiercely.

  Her skin prickled with heat, and she urged closer. Their tongues tangled, tasting each other. She moaned, and his arms tightened around her at the sound.

  She shifted, trying to get into a better position. Duncan froze in her arms, and Mandy had a half-second to wallow in a sense of dread before the car door opened and Duncan had disappeared from her arms and from the car.

  Mandy actually growled with frustration. She scrambled across to the passenger side of the car and saw Duncan striding across the street to Zack’s house, his back straight with anger.

  Mandy threw open the car door and stumbled out.

  “Duncan!” she called, wishing she had something to throw at him to get his
attention. He just kept walking, ignoring her.

  She slammed the door behind her and stomped forward. “Du—“

  She tasted leather as a hand closed around her mouth, muffling the rest of his name. Mandy struggled, but a strong body pressed against her back, trapping her. She twisted but his arm clamped around her, locking her elbows to her sides and dragging her backward. She tried to scream but no sound emerged from behind the glove.

  Her eyes darted sideways, trying to find someone or something to help, but there was nothing. A second person, a man, came into her field of vision. Dressed all in black, also wearing leather gloves, he looked vaguely familiar, but her panicked mind couldn’t figure out where from.

  Acting on instinct, she pushed off with her feet and kicked out towards the second man. She caught him on the temple, and he stumbled back, his hand flying to his head.

  “Save it,” muttered the guy holding her.

  She heard a click, and it took her brain a second to register that she knew the sound. A gun cocking.

  The cold barrel pressed against her temple. She stilled, fear slicing through her. Sweat broke out on her palms and the back of her neck and her head spun.

  She sucked in a deep breath through her nose, and another, slowly feeling her head clear. But they were nearly at their destination now, a big black SUV with tinted windows, similar to the ones Soldiering On used.

  The second man caught up to them, glaring at Mandy. “You’ll pay for that, bitch.”

  Mandy narrowed her eyes at the threat.

  A movement behind the man caught her eye. She shifted her gaze to see Duncan limping towards them, terror written across his face. He raised a gun, but didn’t shoot, and Mandy realised she was in the line of fire.

  She twisted again, desperation to get free clawing at her. The man behind her shoved the gun further into her temple, pushing her neck at an awkward angle. She stilled again.