Read Online The Captain's Lady by Lorhainne Eckhart - Free Book Online Page A

crew. Their startled looks were nothing less than expected. Not wanting to elaborate on the details, Joe's quick thinking steered the discussion in a different direction.
    Before the meeting, Eric spoke with Vice Admiral James, Commander of the US Navy and Marine Forces in the Gulf. The discussion lingered on the Brits, who were still very much in the area. A British Class Sheffield Destroyer had been spotted on the horizon to the north.
    Eric was concerned about the admiral's reaction toward Abby and the reason she was remaining on board. But, much to his relief, the admiral left the decision to Eric's discretion.
    The support and trust he'd received over the years was a welcome comfort. Having that support was a good thing since Eric had already decided Abby would stay onboard, as long as it remained safe. Having the okay from above made it that much easier.
    As the door closed behind the last officer, Eric gave Joe a cursory glance, grimacing over the harsh guilt stabbing in his gut. “Sorry about the extension; I know you miss Mary-Margaret and the kids."
    Joe tightened his mouth. “Thanks, yeah, I miss them.” He turned away for a second, taking a deep breath before turning back. “So what did the Admiral have to say about Abby staying on board?"
    He laced his fingers together, and propped them under his chin, feeling a little lighter since speaking with the Admiral. “He said he'd leave the decision of whether she's moved up to me."
    "What do you mean, whether she's moved?"
    He did not want to have this conversation right now. His thoughts drifted to the earlier idea of finding a place for her and the baby near him in Portsmouth. It was too soon to share these thoughts with anyone, including his friend. In an attempt to change the conversation's focus, he brought up the misunderstanding about the guard, how upset this made her. He hoped this would be enough to get him off the subject. Joe's dark, leveled look told him it did not work.
    Joe shrugged and read the documents in front of him. “I'm looking for some information—any information—on this Seyed Hossein.” He sighed. “Turns out there's not much available. Not even a hundred percent sure the guy exists.” He stood and took the files, then sat in the chair across the desk from Eric. He laid the papers on the front edge of the desk, leaned on his elbows, and added, “The French police report that every year several thousand girls are reported missing from Paris. The police believe these girls are abducted for use in prostitution in Arab countries. What is really sick is that even Intel has information on these auctions in Africa, where these abducted white women are sold to Arab customers. Blonde women like Abby are most sought after.” He continued as Eric's nostrils flared, “These women are never seen again. For what it's worth, Abby is one of the lucky ones.” He thumped the manila file folder with a knuckle. “I believe this Hossein is responsible for more than one disappearance."
    A sick feeling burned in the pit of Eric's stomach. Rising up, he choked off any response. He closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. “They can be quite the sick, perverted bastards, can't they?"
    The leather hissed as he sat back down and propped his feet on the desk. He squeezed his eyes shut against the burning in his lids. Which left a wide-open track for the woolly weariness to penetrate his soul.
    Joe cleared his throat. “I'm not sure if I should mention this, but I overheard some talk. About how Abby might be some sort of terrorist."
    Instant darkness overshadowed Eric. A momentary dizziness clouded his brain. Yes, he'd considered the idea. And ruled it out as unfounded. As he mulled over the idea again, he realized how this could ultimately ignite a truly unlucky situation. Joe's words were like waving a red blanket, provoking the wild beast inside him into crushing everything and anyone that got in his way.
    Bounding from the chair, Eric braced his