Page 20 of Pierre
“He doesn’t care for her,” she snapped.
“What is it with you? Because a man doesn’t find you appealing, you think you have to destroy what’s good in his life? Do you understand how warped that is? And not just men, but women as well.”
“I think we’re done,” said Judy. “Leave my quarters.”
“Alright,” nodded Ambry. “I’ll leave your quarters but stay away from the Ranger team and leave Elliott alone. You don’t want to fuck with me on this, Judy. I might appear innocent and naïve, but I assure you, I am not. I will make good on my promises, and I will make sure that you never serve on another ship or military base for as long as you live.”
As Ambry left the woman’s room, she didn’t see the other woman hiding in the doorway behind her. Instead, she carried on, proud that she’d made her stand. Now, she needed to tell poor Butch.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ambry didn’t see Pierre until later that evening. Their team had just returned from searching for the three churches and were eating a late dinner.
“Hi,” he smiled, hugging her and kissing her in front of everyone.
“Hi. How are you guys?”
“Exhausted,” said Butch. “Who knew it would be so fucking hard to find three little churches and a nun?”
“Well, given what this place looks like, it seems to make sense,” said Ambry. “Any word from the boys back home?” Pierre nodded and looked at the other men.
“Look, our team has more resources than anyone I know. I asked for a few favors to hopefully help us.”
“Don’t apologize, brother. We appreciate all the help we can get. This is nuts what’s going on here,” said Winslow.
“Hiro is following a few leads for us, but nothing concrete yet. How are things here? How are the patients?”
“Oh, everyone is good,” she said nervously, then looked at Butch. He laughed, shaking his head.
“Ambry, honey, I know. I knew what she was the minute she walked into my room uninvited. I’m a grown man, and I know when a woman is looking for one thing and one thing only. I got what I needed, she got what she wanted.”
“Oh,” she frowned. “I’m sorry. I should have warned you.”
“I think you did,” smirked Winslow.
Marjorie walked into the chow hall and nodded at Ambry and the others. When she walked to the table, she took a seat with her coffee and let out a long sigh.
“Is everything okay? Are the patients alright?” asked Ambry.
“The patients are great. We only have one remaining. The rest were released to their families, if they had any. We couldn’t keep them any longer,” she frowned. “I’m here to talk about something else.”
“That seems ominous,” frowned Pierre.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. Judy was relieved of duty today. We’ve sent her back stateside, where she’ll face a formal disciplinary hearing.”
“I see,” said Ambry, looking down at the table.
“Ambry, it’s not your fault. I was standing in the hallway when you confronted her about Butch and Elliott. I heard it all. It’s not the first time, and I think you knew that.”
“I did and I didn’t. I mean, I didn’t know it all. I never said anything because she is, was a good nurse. And her actions never affected me directly.” Marjorie nodded, then looked away for a moment. “Wait. Did she do something to you?”
Marjorie said nothing, her face flush with embarrassment.
“Shit. You sent me the note,” said Butch.
“It was silly,” said the woman. “I just thought, we were both the ‘oldies’ of the group, and maybe you’d enjoy a tour of the ship, and, well, it was stupid. When I saw her go into your room, I realized how silly I was.”
“Marjorie, I had no idea,” said Butch. “She walked into my room uninvited, and, guessing by everything that’s happened, I’m going to say it was strategic on her part, knowing that you were nearby. I thought it was her that left the note, and then it suddenly took a turn I wasn’t ready for.”
