SIX

      Sated, Westley pushed his empty plate away. He’d enjoyed this respite except for the weight of the missing dogs pressing on his mind. The restaurant was noisy with conversation and music playing from speakers in the corner. A television attached to the wall showed a muted soccer game. Every time one of the two teams scored, the crowd cheered. Westley and Felicity sat side by side with their backs to the wall. He liked being able to see who was coming their way and to observe the crowd.

      Plus, he wouldn’t deny he liked having Felicity within arm’s reach. In case of a threat, he told himself. Not because she was a beautiful woman. Which wasn’t the best path for his thoughts to wander down, especially after nearly telling her about his father.

      That kind of slip wouldn’t be productive. The last thing he wanted was her pity.

      Her anger he could take. She could chew him out all she wanted about not giving praise. He’d turned out just fine without receiving any.

      Ethan Webb and Linc Colson occupied the other two seats at the table. Linc had arrived a few minutes after them. Apparently, Ethan had called him on his way to the eatery.

      Westley couldn’t remember the last time he’d sat in a restaurant with those he considered friends. Most of his meals were frozen, microwavable dishes eaten in the training-center break room. This was a nice change. He only wished it hadn’t come at the cost of so many lives.

      “I heard you mention you had leave coming up,” Felicity said to Ethan. “Any fun plans?”

      “Nothing firm,” he replied. “After being overseas, it will be good to relax.”

      Having never been deployed, Westley could only imagine Ethan’s need for some downtime.

      A tall muscular man stopped by their table.

      “Hey, Isaac,” Westley said, standing to shake the Senior Airman’s hand. “I’d heard you were back.”

      Isaac Goddard was a former combat pilot recently returned from Afghanistan.

      “Yes, it’s good to be home.” Isaac’s green eyes rested a moment on Felicity. “Hello.”

      She smiled at him. “Hi. We haven’t met.” She held out a hand. “Felicity Monroe.”

      The two shook hands and a strange sense of possessiveness spread through Westley. He wanted to put his arm around Felicity and claim her as his. Instead, he said, “You know Ethan and Linc?”

      The other men rose to shake Isaac’s hand and clap him on the back.

      “Welcome home,” Linc said.

      “I heard you’re trying to bring home a dog from Afghanistan,” Ethan said.

      Isaac nodded, his expression haunted. “That’s right. I filed the paperwork to have Beacon sent to me.”

      Curious, Westley asked, “Is the dog injured?”

      “No, he’s a hero.” Isaac rubbed his chin. “He saved my life.”

      “What kind of dog is Beacon?” Felicity asked.

      “A German shepherd. I really hope the brass will let me bring him to the States. I’m afraid of what will happen to him if he stays there.”

      “We’ll pray you and Beacon are reunited,” Felicity said in a gentle tone.

      Tenderness filled Westley at her thoughtful comment.

      Isaac gave her an odd look. “Okay. Anything that helps. I’ll see you all around.” He walked away and they took their seats.

      Felicity leaned close. “Uh-oh, here comes Heidi.”

      Sure enough, the female base reporter weaved her way through the crowded tables, heading straight for them. “Incoming,” he said to the others.

      Ethan and Linc swiveled to see who was approaching. Because they were in a casual setting, they dispensed with the formal salute.

      As soon as Heidi reached the table, Linc held up a hand to the base reporter. “No comment.”

      “I know, I know,” she said and adjusted her dark-framed glasses. “You all can’t talk about the Red Rose Killer. That’s not why I’m here.”

      Westley wasn’t buying it. “Then why are you here?”

      Heidi pointed to Felicity. “I understand you’re being reassigned to the photo lab.”

      “Where did you hear that?” Westley asked. It wasn’t a secret, or at least it wouldn’t be once Felicity started roaming the base with her camera. But it was still disconcerting to know the information was out there already.

      “I never reveal my sources,” she said. “Is it true?”

      Felicity sighed. “Yes, it is. Lieutenant General Hall asked if I’d take on the position because the current photographer is transferring off base.”

      Heidi edged closer to the table and took a notebook and pen from her purse. “Felicity, is this reassignment really because you’re a target of Boyd Sullivan?”

      “Hey,” Ethan objected. “Didn’t we just establish we’re not discussing him?”

      Heidi’s eyebrows drew together, but she didn’t acknowledge Ethan’s words. “What qualifications do you have to be base photographer? Formal training?”

      “I’ve taken some photography classes,” Felicity replied.

      Heidi made a note. “Won any awards? Had your work displayed in a gallery?”

      Felicity shook her head and a red flush crept into her cheeks. “No.”

      Sensing how uncomfortable Felicity was, Westley said, “Enough with the questions. Lieutenant General Hall feels she’s a good fit for the job. That’s all that matters.”

      Heidi hitched the strap of her purse higher on her shoulder over her standard blue short-sleeve service shirt. “And I’m trying to do my job.”

      Felicity put a hand on his arm. “It’s all right.” To Heidi she said, “I’ll be photographing the BMT graduates and their families Thursday. You might want to come and see how it goes.”

      There was gratitude in Heidi’s smile. “I will. Thank you.” She glanced around the table. “Are you all going to the memorial service tonight at the Canyon Christian Church? I understand Pastor Harmon will be doing a special tribute to the victims.”

      Westley’s gut clenched. Felicity’s fingers tightened on his arm. He could feel the tremor traveling through her. He covered her hand, offering what little comfort he could.

      “Yes,” Felicity said. “We’re going.”

      Ethan and Linc nodded also.

      “Then I will see you there.” Heidi pivoted on her black flats and wove her way out of the restaurant.

      “How did she know you were here?” Ethan asked Felicity.

      Felicity shrugged. “I guess the base grapevine is alive and well.”

      Westley signaled to the waitress they were ready for their check.

      After paying their bill, Westley and Felicity left the restaurant.

      “I’d like to go home and freshen up before the service tonight,”