The Captain's Lady (14 page)

"Ernie said she never does anything without a reason, like she thinks everyone has it in for her. He says she's a real screwball."

The hairs on the back of Eric's neck prickled as he berated himself for ignoring his earlier instincts about Gail. The reasons for his dislike during their first encounter eight months ago were much clearer. But with the realization came sudden understanding: he did that a lot with women. His own personal issues made him voluntarily step back so he wouldn't have to deal directly with them. He was aware now of his mistake. If he'd paid more attention to his instincts, this would not be happening
. Hell, she wouldn't even be onboard my ship right now
.

Eric prided himself on being a shrewd judge of character with men, though. Only now he knew he'd made a mistake not following through on the earlier internal warnings. He couldn't change the past. Eric shuddered to think of what would happen to his career if he didn't get this cleared up. Everything he treasured, his hard-earned reputation, every aspect that shaped his life would be gone. This bitch had taken him by the balls and would, if given the opportunity, shake him until they rattled. The more he thought about it, the stronger the resentment became toward Gail.

"I want you to go talk to the XO and tell him what you told me. Also, make sure you mention to him that I want him to speak to your friend Ernie, too.” He slipped past Petey with strong purposeful steps, then halted and turned completely around. “Thanks, Petey, for all your support."

The young man puffed out his chest and offered a prideful salute, the deep admiration he held for Eric transparent in the worshipful eyes.

Eric turned and continued on to his quarters.

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Chapter Sixteen

The sight of her sitting up in bed reading a book, with her thick blonde hair brushed neatly and tucked behind her ears, filled him with such warmth that his knees grew weak. Just being near her, a soft soothing balm permeated his protective armor. She was definitely what he needed right now.

Abby met his gaze from across the room. It was uncanny; as if she somehow sensed his presence. Then the shy smile beamed as the dancing light twinkled in her eyes, as it reached out to him. It filled him with a pure joy glistening from the moment she looked up.

Unable to trust his voice, he pushed away from the door, taking a quick look around sickbay with the methodical sweep of his eyes. Larry stood by one of the medical lockers, rummaging through supplies. He looked up. Eyes widening, he visibly flinched as he met Eric's eyes. Then he quickly averted his gaze. There was a subtle awkwardness in the air that Eric felt as tension rippling between them. Larry's discomfort was displayed in the way he shuffled awkwardly from foot to foot as if searching for something to focus on, then he stopped with his hands down and shrugged at Eric. It was an uncomfortable gesture and accomplished only one thing, pissed Eric off.

With his nerves frayed the way they were over the last few days, this awkwardness did nothing but further irritate him. He felt his jaw tighten, a telltale warning that at any moment he could snap and say words to the doctor that he would later regret.

"Good morning, Captain.” Larry cleared his throat then started to raise a reluctant hand in front of him, which earned a sharp quick shake of Eric's head.

Eric allowed a weary sigh to escape, then stopped and turned to face the doctor. “Larry, don't go anywhere, I need to have a word with you. But I want to see Abby first."

Larry gave a hesitant nod, and remained where he was.

With a purposeful stride in his step, his jaw clenched, Eric again slipped his mask into place. Abby's demeanor had changed, and not for the better. Her eyes were narrowed as she tilted her head, looking back at the doctor then to him.

She surprised Eric by the genuine concern displayed so honestly and openly. A spark ignited in her eyes as if she were ready to declare battle with some as-yet unnamed foe. Her perception was remarkable as well as a little disconcerting when he realized how difficult it would be to keep the Gail-incident from her. He felt the brooding fury dissipate in her presence.

Her voice was laced with concern as she sat up straight. “Is everything all right?” She was too intuitive for her own good. The thought hit him, as did the awareness of her unease. She squinted at him as though he were a puzzle she was determined to solve.

Reaching down he squeezed her shoulder with tenderness. “Everything's fine. I just wanted to check and see how you are this morning.” With a tentative smile, he settled in the chair beside her, knees touching the metal edge of the bed. Wearily he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

She looked directly at him, hesitating before answering. “I'm fine, and no more contractions.” She crooked a finger at Larry. “The doctor said everything's okay this morning, and to take it easy today. You look tired."

He grinned. “I'll survive. Hey, I need to talk to the doc for a minute. Don't go anywhere."

"As if I could go anywhere.” She spoke softly and watched his steadfast approach to Larry and the abrupt sweep of his hand gesturing to the door. The doctor averted his gaze with an uneasy nod then followed behind, closing the door without a backward glance.

Abby fixed her eyes on the closed door, unable to shake the disturbing feeling that nagged at her. Something serious was going on. And it left her wondering if in fact it was something about her. Anxious, she awaited Eric's return.

Sighing impatiently, she struggled to focus on something else, like the book she'd borrowed from Mary-Jo. She read a few words but they wouldn't seep from her eyes to her brain; her attention would not turn from the events going on outside in the hallway. Just what was it they didn't want her to hear?

She slammed the book closed and tossed it on the bed beside her legs. Groaning in frustration, she crossed her arms, resting them on the large protruding mound. Abby sighed out all the air from both lungs and slid her hand over the baby nestled in the womb. “It's okay, baby, that's one good man there. Everything will be fine.” The baby chose that moment to kick, startling Abby. She bubbled with glee. “Glad you agree."

Larry followed the captain into his cabin. Before the door was closed he began rambling. “Captain, I am so sorry about Gail. If I'd known what she was going to pull, I would have put a stop to it.” He shook his head, clenching and unclenching his fists in front of him. “I spoke with her in the mess hall and she never even gave mention to this, this...” Larry gestured wildly with his hands, as his face glowed a faded pink, then he stopped and said nothing further.

Eric let out a sigh, feeling contrite now over his moodiness. Thankful he held his tongue earlier, he reached out and slapped Larry on the arm. “Hey, stop beating yourself up, I know you would have. Did you get a copy of the report, too?"

"Yes, Joe was down earlier and brought it to me. He questioned me, but I'm afraid I wasn't much help.” Larry began pacing, working his hands together over and over. Eric watched for a while. When his own unease threatened to burst forth, he stopped him with, “Frankly, I'm dumbfounded. Why the hell would she pull this?"

He didn't wait for Larry to reply. What was there to say? The doc couldn't know any more than him. “What do you know about a possible charge she brought against another senior officer a while back? Has she ever said anything to you or your people about it?"

Larry finally stopped pacing and approached the desk; he shook his head. “I heard the same rumors myself when she first came aboard. I read her files and made a few inquiries, but...” He shrugged. “Far as I know she has never spoken of it to anyone. Wouldn't really expect her to. Not to me, anyway. She might've said something to some of the women."

"Is there anyone she's close to?"

"Not many. I'll check around, but she keeps pretty much to herself. Does her work though, so I've had nothing to complain about.” Checking his watch, he winced at the captain. “I expect her to report for duty in about twenty minutes.” The implication was clear, that if Eric wanted to visit Abby in sickbay, he should be gone by then. “When I spoke to Joe, I told him I wanted her out of my department. He said that we have to be careful, though. If I start reassigning her or posting her to shit jobs, she will yell and scream that I'm trying to get back at her."

Eric looked up. “He's right, Doc, but let me be clear; I don't want her around Abby right now.

"Captain, do you think she would physically hurt her? Is that what you're worried about, because I can assure you..."

Eric cut him off with a wave of his hand. “No, no it's not that. I don't want her to say something that would upset her, I don't want Abby to know of these charges, and I definitely don't want Gail telling her this fictitious story she created.

"How safe is it right now to move Abby?"

"Off the ship?” The surprise registered in Larry's voice, especially since Eric had made such a big deal about keeping her aboard.

He held up the flat of his hand. “No, not off the ship, but to one of the cabins reserved for the visiting officers and guests.” He strode to the door then leaned back against it, crossing his arms. “You look as tired as I feel."

"Lotta stuff going on right now."

"Tell me about it. So, can she be moved?"

"Maybe in a day or two. But if we do, she can't be left alone; she's too close to delivering.” Eric sighed, hearing an edginess creep into the man's voice. Yes, they were all under a lot of strain right now. “I'll find a way to keep Gail out of sickbay and away from Abby as much as possible."

Rotating his neck, Eric tried to alleviate the stress that was beginning to tighten its burning tentacles. “I'm going back to talk to her.” He walked past Larry, who held the door open for him.

He paused briefly at his side, reached over and thumped him on the shoulder.

"Listen, Eric, before all this stuff with Gail happened, I was going to talk to you about the nightmare that brought on Abby's early labor. I'm no shrink, but I do know that unless she comes to peace with whatever bothering her, it's going to keep eating at her. It might bring on labor again. The next time, it probably won't stop. I can give her a sedative to help her sleep. That might keep the nightmares quiet, but I don't want to keep doing that."

Wincing, and lowering his voice, Eric said, “I'll talk to her about her nightmare."

"I'll make sure you're not disturbed. And as far as Ms. Carruthers, I'll try and make sure she's occupied elsewhere for the day."

* * * *

The silent vigil was beginning to fray on her nerves. One after the other, the questions swarmed through her mind, teasing, taunting, threatening to make her scream.
What the hell is going on? Is something wrong with the baby? Is it about that woman? Is he going to make me leave? What?

Consumed by her thoughts, Abby jumped when the door swung open with a sudden clank. Excitement washed through her in a wave that sent her blood soaring. Then just as quickly as the elation had appeared, it was extinguished and replaced once again with disappointment and frustration. It wasn't the captain returning.

Gail Carruthers entered the sickbay, cautious eyes scanning the room. Abby watched, wondering at the girl's odd behavior. Why was she nervous and skulking about, as if at any moment she would need to flee?
God what an odd duck,
she thought.

As soon as their eyes met, Gail flinched, the color washed out of her face, and her eyes widened. Gail gave a quick, jerky nod. “Good morning. Isn't the doctor here?"

There was a shake in her voice and the pitch was an octave too high
. Was that fear
?

"Good morning,” Abby responded.

Gail skulked across the room, the air thick with arrogance and defensiveness although her eyes were emotionless pools when they locked onto Abby's.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

Caught of guard by the quick smile from Gail, and the sincerity in her question, Abby was struck silent for a moment as she wondered if she was misreading the situation. Maybe Gail had nothing to do with what was going on.

"I'm feeling good, thanks. No more contractions."

"I'm glad to hear that. Did the doctor examine you this morning? I didn't look at your chart yet.” Walking to the counter Gail picked up her chart and flipped it open, scanning the information as she bowed her head, intent and focused. Closing it, she held it against her chest, crossing her arms around it. She stepped closer to Abby, tilting her head with genuine sincerity in her eyes. This stopped Abby.
Okay maybe she had misread the situation. God, look at what I've been through,
she thought.

"Everything looks good, just make sure you stay in bed. I'll check your vitals again...” Before she could finish, the door opened and the captain strode through, followed closely by the doctor.

The heavy tension in the room brought to Abby the memory of something her grandmother used to say:
the air it was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
With battle lines clearly drawn, only a fool could have missed the silent declaration of war etched across Eric's face. For one second that is. Just as quickly as the anger at Gail appeared, his mask slipped tight and secure back into place. The subtle change in Gail's demeanor, from friendly and caring, to outright hatred, hit Abby.
That woman did something to him.
A burning compulsion to rush over and defend this wonderful man who provided her with shelter and protection swept over her. Then, as if time speeded up, Gail's body stiffened. Panic transformed her face. Defiant. Dark.

Larry stepped in front of the captain. “Carruthers!” The clipboard thunked from Gail's fingers as her head snapped toward Larry. “I need to speak with you, now!” He pointed stiff fingers at the door. When she refused to move, opening her mouth as if to protest, Larry snapped. “I said now, Carruthers."

Slowly, so slowly, she stooped and picked up the clipboard, then dropped it without care on a side table. She appeared to thrust the stubby nose in the air, and paced hurriedly past the captain. Abby did not miss how tightly Eric held himself, or how his fingers tensed as if he restrained himself from giving her a good kick in the rear.