The Captain's Lady Read Online Free Page A

East L.A. Alone and scared, he was taken away by Child Protective Services after he was caught stealing a candy bar at a convenience store, hungry, angry, and desperate. Over the next nine years, he bounced from one foster home to another—thirty-two in all—including two trips to Juvenile Hall. Labeled a troublemaker, Eric lashed out at anyone who showed emotion around him. He'd never understood what it meant to belong to a loving family.
    Joe believed this was why he had so many failed relationships. Eric wanted a woman to be devoted to him. One who would respect him as the sole provider, the head of the household. Be the perfect role model his children. His views were Old World and probably selfish, but he was not willing to change them for anyone; it was who he was.
    Eric was rattled by the woman's appearance. Yes, that had to be it. They had been on deployment for so long. Maybe it was that, mixed with the shock of finding Abby in such a condition that caused him to react this way. After all, it had already affected most of the crew. Joe himself was not immune to the plight of the girl.
    Eric looked out the port window. He thrived in this life at sea. The sea revived him. He became clearer, sharper; his instincts became honed. It was as if she were the other half of his soul, the perfect marriage. She filled a need in him, although it couldn't be sustained when he was on shore duty. The longer Eric remained on shore, the more he felt spiritually drained.
    At that moment, it finally connected, striking a forceful blow to his gut. It was Abby, not just her plight, but something about her.
    Joe cleared his throat, drawing Eric from his thoughts with a start. He mumbled a curt apology, while shaking his head in an attempt to regain some control. “Sorry."
    He wandered back to his chair, managing to summon up his mask and slip it into place, once again presenting his commanding role to Joe. Eric pointed a steady finger. “Notify command; let them know about Abby. Tell them, as soon as we have more details we'll fill them in.” Leaning back in his chair, he steepled his hands, then propped them under his chin. “Get in touch with some of your contacts in Bahrain, unofficially, of course. I want to know what boats were in the area, any information about this girl. I have my suspicions of what she escaped. But I want all the cold hard facts.” He raised his steely hand, palm forward, halting Joe from leaving his chair. “One more thing.” He leaned forward, deepening the authority in his voice. “Make sure the crew keeps away from her. I don't want some curious young sailor wandering down there. Post a guard outside the door of sickbay. Make it clear to the crew she's off limits."
    "Consider it done.” His words were firm, but the tone betrayed the all-knowing smugness he sought to suppress at the newly emerged passion and sharp comeback. Rising from the chair, he stopped to give Eric a mock salute before striding out into the corridor. Joe left the door open, as it was a standard in the navy that doors to the captain and XO's cabin were to be left open, even when they were not there. He whistled to suppress the chuckle that rumbled from deep inside.
    Eric watched the sure quick steps of his friend, comforted by the fact that Joe would see the orders carried out to the letter. He was more than capable; in fact, it was a foregone conclusion that Joe would also make a point of finding out more answers than requested. Then it hit him, a sudden cold sweat, an unease that swept so deep it was like a knife piercing his gut; what might Joe discover? And why did it matter to him so much?
    Just thinking of Abby caused him to see a vulnerable picture of her all alone. The flow of questions surrounding her arrival, everything about this girl flooded his mind. “Oh girl, where did you come from? Who are you? Who did this to you?” He whispered the words aloud, hearing the pain.
    Thoughts of a possible terrorist link cropped up