Chapter 8
Jax spent the rest of the weekend chilling and fine-tuning his resume, scouring job websites, and trying not to stress about his future. Staying away from Risa hadn’t been easy, but a few idiots helped by getting drunk and causing trouble, which kept him busy.
He purposely waited until he saw her park and go into the clinic before he ran to the kennel that morning to check on Bella. It was the first time in weeks he’d gone a couple of days without seeing her, and she let him know her feelings on the subject. Moore had informed him that he and the Doc had put Bella through the paces that morning with all the basic commands. Bella had ignored Moore and then Petty Officer Sanchez, but had responded perfectly to Risa.
Senior Chief wasn’t thrilled with the update, but Jax talked him into holding off on filing his report just yet. Sooner or later, he had to face the fact that she’d be sent back to Texas and then who knew where. He just wasn’t ready to say good-bye to his best friend.
He sat at his desk and pulled up e-mail. Two responses waited for him: NSA and Homeland Security.
Thank you for your application… blah, blah, blah, no thanks.
He sat back, blew out a breath, and ran his hand through his hair. He dropped his head and rolled it from side to side to loosen up the muscles that had clamped down.
“What gives?” Casey asked when Mike glanced up.
“NSA and Homeland shot me down. The usual song and dance: Impressed with my qualifications, but they’re not hiring right now. They’ll keep me on file and please check back. No one is effing hiring.” Jax groaned.
“The storage facility just off the base is looking for a night watchman.” Casey grinned.
Seriously? This is what my life has come to. “Twelve years in the Navy, and that’s the best I can do?”
“Nope, not at all. There are at least three fast-food joints hiring on Hamburger Hill. One of them even specified night manager.”
“You’re a load of help, Case. Just remember, your day will come too. Do you think it will be any easier? You’ll have more experience, but you’ll also be older. Who’s to say anyone will want you? They sure as hell don’t want me.”
There weren’t many times in his naval career when he’d questioned if joining had been the right path. It had been his goal as long as he could remember. Even when he washed out of SEAL training, he hadn’t thought of leaving the Navy. Long, cold nights followed by endless, blistering hot days while sand invaded every crease and pore of his body hadn’t made him question his decision. He’d been happy… proud to serve.
But right then, right at that moment Jax did question if he’d wasted the last dozen years of his life.
“Keep at it, Faraday. There’s still DEA, DOE, ATF, PFPA, OIG, DCIS and YMC.”
Okay, he got the Drug Enforcement Agency; Department of Energy; Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Pentagon Force Protection; the Inspector General; and Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Throw some letters together and he was pretty sure he could match it up with a federal office, but the last one evaded his brain.
“YMC, Senior?”
“Your Mama’s Couch,” Mike replied.
Jax shuddered at the thought, and Casey about died from a lack of oxygen laughing so hard.
“Good one. There’s also TBOMT, the back of my truck, which is looking like a real possibility at this point. That or island life and honestly, both are preferable to living at home.”
He really tried not to let the rejections get to him, but that was easier said than done. A career change was out, unless he went back to school. He had a bachelor’s in criminal justice and didn’t really want to throw away all the time he’d invested to obtain it. Hell, the sole reason he’d gone after the damn degree was to make him more marketable and interesting to NCIS.
“What about embassy duty?” Mike asked.
Jax gave him a questioning look.
“I’ve got a friend down in Millington. Let me give him a call and see if he has any hot fills no one wants.”
It wasn’t much better, but it was a step up over Diego Garcia. He might even be able to talk the commands into letting him take Bella.
“Thanks, I appreciate the help.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You might end up on duty in Bahrain or someplace where the sun never shines.”
“Still beats my mother’s couch.”
He made a quick list of the alphabet agencies he hadn’t checked out yet, then grabbed his cover and keys. Tapping his hat against his leg, he stared out the window. It’d been a shitty morning, and he didn’t feel like being cooped up inside any longer. He wasn’t sure where he was headed until he caught a sight of long legs, blond hair, and soft curves.
So far there hadn’t been any more reports of vandalism from Risa or anyone else on base, but Jax didn’t like loose ends, and an open case bugged him.
Casey looked up from his screen. “You heading to lunch?”
Before he could answer, Kelly popped her head into the office. “Senior Chief, SECOP is looking for you.” Mike thanked her and she stepped to the side to let him pass. “You going to lunch, Jax? I was just on my way and would love some company, if you’re free.”
“Thanks Kels, but not yet, I’ve got work to do.”
“Oh, okay. Maybe another time? Can I bring anything back for either of you?” She looked hopefully from Jax to Casey and back, but both declined the offer. It was a nice gesture. Kelly was like that, always wanting to help and doing little things to brighten their day.
She left, and Casey turned to him. “Hey, if you’re really going to lunch, I could eat a burger and fries. Wash it down with a chocolate shake. What do you say?”
“Not yet. I’m going to go see a man about a car.”
* * * *
Risa slammed the desk drawer and rested her head in the palm of her hands. Five minutes. Five minutes to herself was all she asked for. But she didn’t see that happening with the amount of work still ahead of her.
She was exhausted and cranky after the long weekend, filled by a busy morning of appointments and a trip over to the kennel. Bella’s leg was healing, but she still limped, and her attitude toward the handlers was unacceptable. She knew that as soon as she gave the medical clearance, the command would ship her back to Texas for reevaluation and training. However, if Bella continued to respond as she had been—basically ignoring her handlers—they’d retire her from active service.
Thankfully, that meant adoption if she met the qualifications, and Risa had no doubt Bella met them. It was something she needed to talk to Jax about before she wrote the report. There was still a small chance they could change things around before then. If not, Risa wanted to find out if Jax had thought about adopting her. She couldn’t imagine him not wanting to, given how close the two of them were. However, if he couldn’t, she’d put in for Bella. Over the past few weeks of working with her day in and day out, Risa had lost her heart to the sweet pup.
Athena and Eir wouldn’t mind at all, and Morpheus would come around.
For now she had other things to tend to, like paperwork.
She made it through her e-mail messages. Responded to a few callbacks from concerned animal parents and had made a good-sized dent in her inbox when her heart stopped. In preparation for the upcoming end of the fiscal year, the budget was being adjusted and once again, her clinic was under scrutiny. It seemed like everything that wasn’t of strategic value had already been cut from the base. Now, it looked like they were next in line.
“Corrie,” she called out, while searching the menu on her computer. When she popped her head in, Risa asked, “Where’s the report that lists the number of clients we’ve seen, types of appointments, and how much we’ve brought in?”
“For Pete’s sake. Again? Why can’t they just leave us be? I’ve worked here for ten years, and during that time, they’ve closed us twice. Once due to lack of funding and the other time because they couldn’t find a vet to fill the position. Now that we’re back up to full staff and people know about us, they’re thinking of closing us again?”
“Not if I can help it,” Risa promised. She knew what Corrie meant. Not only did Risa love her clinic and coworkers, but also if they closed them down and then later reopened, the clinic would lose a lot of their patients permanently.
Corrie showed her where to find the reports she wanted and promised she’d print out the appointment calendar for the next month, as they were booked solid.
As Risa scanned her options, her cellphone rang. She was tempted to ignore it so she could get the data pulled, organized and sent back as soon as possible. A quick glance showed Fee’s name. With a smile, she hit the Talk button.
“Tell me something wonderful,” Risa said.
“Girls’ night in with movies, wine, and chocolate next week?”
“Now you’re talking. How was Dylan’s weekend with his dad?” she asked while clicking on the report she wanted.
“Uh… good. He likes Mia and says she’s a lot of fun, but super-strict on junk food. Guess the two of them went to the beach Sunday and then back-to-school shopping on Monday.”
Risa heard tension in Fee’s voice. She also sensed a ‘but’ coming; a big but, like Sal Rossi.
“And what about Sal?”
“Such a loaded question, Risa. Besides the fact that the big jerk spent hardly any time with his son over the course of a three-day weekend, he called me just now really pissed off.”
“What about this time?” Risa wasn’t too concerned; it was Sal’s usual MO to get out of his weekend because he found something better to do, or to short-change Fee on support, or just to rattle his ex for fun.
“Seems someone from base security questioned him about his whereabouts in regards to the damage done to your mom’s car.”
Risa stopped reading her report. “Shut up. They did not?”
“Oh, they did, and I’m pretty sure it was your buddy, because Sal said his name was Chief Faraway. You know Sal. He’s never been good with names, like the time he called me by his girlfriend’s name. But who can blame him. So hard to remember your pregnant wife’s name in the throes of passion. Then again, he also has a hard time with the truth.”
“Fee, babe, you’re rambling.”
“Sorry, guess that wound isn’t fully healed. Anyway, Sal ranted and raved that you and I are trying to sink his career. This is all payback because he found happiness and got remarried and I’m still pining for him. Pining? Can you believe that?”
Risa tried to wrap her brain around the man’s logic and couldn’t. Clearly they could add delusional to his long list of faults.
“When did this interview or interrogation supposedly take place?”
“This morning.”
“That makes no sense at all. Yes, Jax did ask who hates me and knows where I live and has base access. However, right after I gave him fucknugget’s name, I also said he was on his honeymoon at the time.”
Fee snorted. “Nice one, Ris. But you’re forgetting. I mentioned this weekend, in front of Jax, that fu… idiot boy was only gone for a couple of days.”
Risa mulled that tidbit over. She hadn’t seen Jax the rest of the day at the fair and had assumed he was irritated with her for evading his dinner invitation, but now, she wasn’t so sure. There was also that look on his face when Dylan ran to meet his dad. At the time, Risa had thought Jax had spotted something going on that shouldn’t have been.
He might have said he didn’t have a photographic memory, but the man came darn close.
She’d have to remember to watch what she said in the future, lest her words came back to bite her in the butt.
“If Sal didn’t do anything wrong, then he shouldn’t be worried, right? Besides, knowing him, he probably had an alibi.” As much as she hated him, Risa didn’t really think Sal was behind the two acts. She’d say it was too childish, but she had to consider whom they were discussing.
“That’s just it. He doesn’t have a solid alibi. Shocking, I know, that he can’t get one of his buddies or whoever’s wife or girlfriend he’s messing around with this time to vouch for him. According to the upstanding and honest Mr. Rossi, he was at home, minding his own business while his lovely bride grocery-shopped.”
This time Risa snorted. “And I suppose he was cleaning house or something equally domestic and full-of-shit, too.” She stifled the laughter, because if he called Fee, it wasn’t just to gripe. “I’m sorry if this is going to cause you more stress.”
“No, don’t apologize. You made my day, which is probably the immature response, but I don’t care after yesterday. And if he tries to withhold child support again, I’ve got his commanding officer’s phone number.” Risa could hear the smile in Fee’s voice.
“Atta girl. Still, I’m sorry he took his anger at me out on you. Given our history, I’m surprised he didn’t call me or just show up.” Then again, maybe not so shocked. Sal was a bully, plain and simple, and bullies didn’t like to face opponents who stood up to them in person. They fought dirty and on the sly, which was so Sal’s MO.
“He might yet, so promise me you’ll be extra cautious at home for the next few days while he cools off. Or better yet, get the animals and go stay with your parents,” Fee pleaded.
“I can’t do that. Mum’s allergic to the bunnies’ hay, and I’m not letting anyone chase me away from my home.”
“Ahhhh….”
Risa closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. She was actually afraid to hear the next suggestion.
“You could ask Jax to stay with you.”
“You’ve lost your bloody mind.” Risa laughed because it was exactly what she’d expected and feared her friend would say.
“Maybe, but it could be a lot of fun. Admit it, you like him.”
No, she didn’t. Okay, yes, she did and he did things to her like make her heart race and her breath catch, her face flush, and her body burn. And make her forget her own rules.
“Forget it, Fee. It’s not happening. I do appreciate the warning call. I will be extra vigilant, but you need to be, too.”
They said their good-byes, and Risa contemplated calling Jax.
Only she didn’t know whether to thank him or warn him that he’d stirred up a hornet’s nest. Not just for her and Fee, but probably for himself. Salvador Rossi had a long list of grudges and complaints he’d filed against supervisors and coworkers over the years. He was also a loudmouthed braggart and took pleasure in causing others grief, especially if he felt slighted.
She picked the phone up, then put it back down.
He probably already knows Sal’s history. What if Jax thinks I’m calling to take him up on his dinner offer?
Back and forth she debated internally. It was the right thing to do, but if he asked her out again, she really didn’t think she was up to turning him down again. Nice guys didn’t come along every day. Sometimes they didn’t come along for weeks or months or even years. Would it really hurt to say yes? Have dinner with a good-looking guy, who loved dogs, had a sense of humor, and turned her insides upside-down?
Probably.
“Um, Risa.” Corrie stuck her head in the office. “You might want to come out here.”
Oh, no. What happened to my car this time?
Certain she was going to find more choice adjectives spray-painted on her new-tired vehicle, Risa slowly pushed back from the desk. Some days, adulting wasn’t fun.
She walked into the reception area to find a woman holding a basket with two baby pygmy goats. The woman had tears in her eyes.
Risa smiled. “Who do we have here?”
“I didn’t know what to do, but I couldn’t leave them there.”
“Where?” Risa was confused. Weren’t they hers?
“I found them on the side of the road with rope around their necks, tied to a pole.”
Risa smiled and counted to ten. Getting mad at the messenger wouldn’t solve anything. “Of course you couldn’t.” She picked up one who was barely bigger than the palm of her hand. “Oh, sweet baby. Let’s take them back to the exam room.”
Corrie took the other one, and the woman followed. “There was a sign that said ‘free.’ I was afraid if I didn’t take them, they’d eat through the rope and get run over.”
“You did the right thing,” Risa assured her as she gave the black-and-white one a thorough exam. Poor thing couldn’t have been more than a month old and looked like it hadn’t been properly fed.
Corrie took both in the back to weigh, and Risa turned to their rescuer.
“You did the right thing. They would have died out there alone. Have you thought of names for them yet?”
“Names?” The woman’s face blanked. “I can’t keep them. We live in an apartment. That’s why I brought them here. I figured you’d know what to do with them.”
Risa sighed.
“I can pay for their medical treatment. But I’m sorry, we can’t even have dogs in our place, and my husband would freak.”
Risa smiled. “Don’t worry, there’s no charge and I know someone who’d love to give them a home.”
The woman thanked her and left as soon as Risa assured her everything was set and she didn’t need to stick around. Corrie came back in and didn’t say anything. The smirk said it all: She thought Risa had too soft of a heart and had told her that before and often. She was probably right.
After they finished the exam and declared both healthy if not malnourished, Risa slipped collars around both of their tiny necks, attached leashes, and carried them outside to the grassy area.
She set them down and let them explore. Both were a little shaky on their short legs, but their tails were wagging.
“What am I going to do with you two?” she asked.
She had the room at her place. What she didn’t have was a penned-in yard and living quarters for them. “You’re so small, I guess for now you can sleep in the laundry room until we build you your own space.”
The little ones baa’d at her.
She picked them up and nuzzled their noses. “I know you’re hungry. Let me get through my last patient and we’ll go shopping for supplies and get you home.”
A government pick-up pulled to a stop next to her, and Jax stuck his head out the window. “What do you have there?”
She could hear amusement in his voice. However, it was the knowing sparkle in his eye that had her smiling instead of giving him a sarcastic response. He slipped out of the truck and came over to greet her new babies.
Jax took the little black-and-white doe in his big palm. “Hello there, sweet thang. What’s your name?”
“They don’t have names… yet. Care to help me out with picking them?”
“Does or bucks?”
“Both are does, about a month old and abandoned.”
“Looks like it was their lucky day then. Why not Sweet Thang and Princess?” Jax cuddled the kid like he’d been born to it.
“Sweet Thang? Do you know how mischievous these little ones can be?” She protested the name even as her resolve melted. “What about Lucky?”
“Too cliché. I like the diamond pattern on her coat though, it kind of reminds me of something…” He snapped his fingers and grinned. “That’s it. I’ve got the perfect name. Harlequin, like those creepy clowns. Looks sweet and innocent, but waiting inside is an evil genius.”
Risa laughed. He had to be kidding. Name her baby after something that could give even an adult a nightmare? Then again, it wasn’t the expected Patches or Oreo.
“So Harle, what shall we call your sister? I’ll have to give it some thought, because you’re my goats now and you can’t have boring names. Hmm, my goats, magoats. Totes Magoats,” she said with a laugh.
Jax joined in, and she knew she’d nailed it.
“That’s it, then. Meet Harlequin and Totes Magoats.”
“You’re going to have your own little zoo soon.” Jax scratched Totes under her chin, while Harle snuggled in his arms and fell asleep.
“They’ll definitely keep the dogs on their toes. Speaking of dogs, what do you know about reiki?”
“It’s some Asian thing. Soup maybe?”
“No.” She laughed. “It’s a Japanese technique using energy to help a body heal both physically and mentally.”
“Okay, and you’re telling me ‘bout this why?”
“For Bella.”
When he nodded, she told him how it worked and had helped her dog, suggesting he hire Fee to try it with Bella.
“When can she start?” Jax asked.
“I’ll call her tonight and work out a schedule so it corresponds with my sessions with her.”
He nodded, and the taut muscles in his face relaxed. “Thanks, Doc. How’s everything else going? Anything strange or suspect happen lately?”
She thought about the question for a moment and then shook her head. “Not really. No signs of any unwelcome visitors, no custom paint jobs, just a few hang-up calls. Those are probably just robo calls from solicitors, though. Although that might change now.”
His whole body went on alert: chin up, eyes scanning the area, tensed shoulders, shifted leg stance. “Talk to me.”
“Word has it you talked to Sal Rossi today, and he’s not a happy camper. Not that I care. In my opinion, he can bugger off, but he accused Fiona and me of trying to get him in trouble. He might retaliate and not just against us, but you too.”
“I’m not worried about me. Will she be okay? He won’t hurt Fee, will he?”
Risa rubbed her chin across the top of Totes’s head. “No, he likes to play other types of games with Fee, like withhold child support or cancel his weekends with Dylan at the last minute. He wouldn’t physically hurt her.”
“What about you? His attitude toward you the other day concerned me. Did you do those security upgrades we talked about at your place?”
“Well.” She looked down, not wanting to see his disappointment. “Not all of them yet. My dad’s been busy, so I need to hire an electrician, but I’ve got the dogs.”
“And we saw how well that worked last time.” He tried not to grin, but he lost the battle.
“You know, if I were less of a lady, I’d tell you to bugger off.” She gave him a stern look that she used when her dogs were misbehaving, but it didn’t work on Jax any better than it did them. He just laughed. “Fine. How about if I promise not to sing in the shower for the time being?”
“That would be a start.” He handed Harle back, scratched both kids’ ears, and leaned forward until he was a breath away from her lips. He tucked the stray strand of hair behind her ear, his gaze locked on hers. “That invitation for dinner? It still stands, when you’re ready.”
Before she could respond, he brushed a kiss as soft as a summer breeze across her mouth and left.
Both goats called after him in protest, and Risa snuggled them closer, feeling the walls she’d built around her heart start to crumble, one brick at a time.
“Trust me, girls, you don’t want to go there. The man has a way of getting past your defenses and leaving you wanting more.”