“You’ve earned it,” Alex said. “Flo’s lucky to have you.”
I’m the lucky one.But Charlie didn’t say it out loud. Instead she straightened, professional mask firmly in place. “I’ll get her set up in my apartment tonight. Start the integration routine.”
The door to the training yard opened and Shane stepped out with his dog, Pete. Shane’s dark eyes swept the area before landing on their little group. He’d been Charlie’s crewmate back in their SWCC days, one of the few people who’d seen her in combat, who knew exactly what she was capable of.
His gaze dropped to Flo, then back to Charlie’s carefully neutral expression. One corner of his mouth quirked up.
“Don’t let her fool you,” Shane said, walking over. “King’s over-the-top excited right now.”
“Shut up, Elk,” Charlie muttered. He was one of the few people who could read her better than she liked.
“Can’t hide it from me, King. I’ve seen you after a successful exfil. Same spark in your eyes.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” But she could feel heat creeping up her neck.
Shane just grinned at her, then looked at Kyle. “Charlie finally got her dog, huh?”
“Finally,” Kyle agreed.
“About damn time.” Shane crouched down and Flo immediately went to him, accepting the ear scratch he offered while Pete looked jealous. “She’s been waiting for you, Charlie. Even a blind man could see that.”
Charlie rolled her eyes, but warmth spread through her chest.
My dog. I have my own dog.
Growing up, she’d wanted a pet so badly. But her father had always said no. They were too expensive, too much work, and Charlie already had enough responsibilities. As a SWCC, she wasn’t allowed to train with military dogs—they weren’t exactly made for the tactical boats that came in guns blazing to rescue a SEAL team under fire. They belonged to the teams, to the mission. Charlie glanced at Camo, remembering the horrible circumstances under which she’d seen the dog for the first time, and her heart felt suddenly heavy.
She shook off the old sadness. Camo was good now, and hell, so was she. This was a good day. Now, for the first time in her life, she had someone who’d always be happy to see her, who wouldn’t judge her or find her lacking.
Don’t cry, for God’s sake. Donotlet them see you cry.
Kyle’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out, read the screen, and his expression shifted from relaxed to all-business in an instant.
“We’ve got someone coming in,” he said, already typing a response. “Woman escaping an abusive situation.” He looked up at Charlie. “You available to stick around? Might need you on protection detail.”
“Absolutely.” Charlie’s mind was already shifting gears, professional mode engaging even as her heart went out with empathy to the woman. “What’s the situation?”
“Still getting details, but it sounds serious. Ben Massey’s bringing her in.”
Charlie’s heart did that stupid skip thing at the mention of Ben’s name.
Focus. Someone needs help.
Kyle glanced at Shane. “You good to provide backup if we need it?”
“Yeah.” Shane pulled out his own phone, thumbs flying over the screen. “April and Kevin are at the movies and heading to dinner after. I’ve got time.”
“I’ll grab my go-bag,” Charlie said. “In case we’re setting up at a safehouse.”
Kyle nodded. “Good thinking.” Kyle turned his attention to Alex. “You know if George is available?”
Alex raised his eyebrows. “He and Sylvie are working on her Mustang before her shift tonight. Why are you calling my father-in-law in on this?”
“The abuser’s a cop.”
Charlie’s jaw tightened. Cops who hurt people were the worst kind of abusers—they knew the system, knew how to manipulate it, knew their victims were terrified to report them. And if the ranks closed in to protect the bad cop…
“Then she definitely needs protection,” Charlie said. “I’ve got her.”
