Page 15 of Harry

Lucia stopped walking and turned to face her. “Wait, what? You’re dating someone?”

She shook her head. “Don’t mind me. I’m not involved with anyone. There’s just a guy, but he’s not an officer.”

“Oh girl, you need to get your head on straight.”

“I know. I’m living dangerously.”

“You sure are. What are you going to do? I mean, you’ve got some guy you’re interested in who could get you in trouble, then there’s this whole thing that you haven’t told me everything about, but it could get you in trouble. What is your deal?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I just like living on the edge.”

Lucia rolled her eyes again. Rory laughed. She was living on the edge, and something needed to change. But she couldn’t forget about the files she’d seen that pointed to a trafficking ring. She needed more information before she could take it to anyone. Even if she had more information, the military might not take it seriously. They cared more about following rules, and her looking at the files was against the rules. She had little doubt they would ignore evidence of a crime since one of their treasured commanders would end up in trouble.

“What are you laughing about?” Lucia asked.

Rory shook her head. “Do you roll your eyes that much when you’re in uniform?”

“Hell no. I’ve got decorum. Those people don’t know the real me. I’m just acting while I’m there. Seriously, I could leave the military and go on one of those TV shows about the Navy. I could have a starring role because I’m such a good actress.”

“Maybe you should. And don’t roll your eyes at me again. If anyone finds out what I know about, there could be blowback. You might just have to leave and go be an actress.”

Lucia’s lips twisted up on one side as she narrowed her eyes. “I could, you know.”

“I know. You’re the pretty one. I’m plain as a rock.”

Lucia scoffed. “Bitch, please. You’ve got that creamy skin going for you. I look like tanned leather.”

“Stop it. You are beautiful, and you don’t look like leather. Your skin is great. I look like biscuit dough.”

“Not with that body,” Lucia said as she hooked her arm with Rory’s and leaned against her as they strolled down the street. They had each other, which was more than some kids who grew up in foster care had. They may not have any blood ties, but they were sisters. She would hate it if anything happened to Lucia.

“So this thing, I know you don’t want the details, but it’s getting scary. One of the men I think is involved is Commander Toovey. Just be careful if you run into him. Don’t let them know we’re sisters.”

“Jesus, Rory. You’ve really stepped in it.”

She nodded. “I know.”

“Do they have anything on you?”

She shook her head. “No. They might have suspicions. Someone here mentioned Toovey to me.”

“Who?”

“Laelyn. He’s an instructor over at the Center.”

“Rory, you are giving me indigestion.”

“I know,” she sighed heavily.

“And everyone thought I was the bad one back in school. I got all the detentions and punishments, and you were the golden child.”

Rory snorted. “You were the bad one back then.”

“Fine,” Lucia said. “I was bad. I’ve changed.”

“I’m not trying to be bad. If you knew what I’d found, you would be pissed, too.”

Lucia held up her hand. “Don’t tell me. I don’t have some fancy college degree to fall back on. I have to stay in so I can get retirement.”

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