Bravely and Faithfully by Edward Hochsmann

Author:Edward Hochsmann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sea adventure, techno thriller, international crime, chick lit, human trafficking, coast guard, friendly romance, military thriller books, chick lit books, military thrillers, chick lit novels, techno thriller books, clean romance books, sea adventure novels, techno thriller 2022, techno thriller novels, chick lit 2022, wholesome romance, international crime novels, sea adventure books, military thriller novels, military thriller book series, military thriller series
Publisher: Haldago Bay Studio
Published: 2022-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

11

Evolutions

Scotts on Fifth Restaurant, 141 5th Ave, Indialantic, Florida

19:13 EST, 1 December

Victoria

Victoria was troubled, even though they were sitting in this lovely little restaurant and eating some of the most delicious food she had ever tasted. They had a small two-person table in a relatively quiet corner of the dining room, next to the wall decorated with photos of some of the more famous people who had dined there. Although it was crowded, Victoria’s agoraphobia was mostly dormant, overcome by the positive diversions around her. And yet something was going on with Benjamin, and she was frustrated by her inability to read him.

After the change of command event, Benjamin suggested they go out for a nice dinner. Victoria welcomed the distraction—the ceremony, moving as it was, was another step toward the transition of Joana out of her life. They had grown close over the past six months, and although they did not see each other every day, the thought that Joana was nearby was a great comfort to Victoria, particularly when Benjamin was at sea. She worried about how the loss would affect her, much as Benjamin was over the departure of the man who had become his best friend over the last two years. Victoria was grateful Benjamin recognized the need to step out of their routine, especially when he would head to sea again on Kauai the next day.

Benjamin had requested she wear the green dress she had worn on their first date but that she need not bother putting her hair up as on the earlier occasion. She reminded Benjamin this was a “hair up” dress, according to her friend Debbie. Like his uniform, it was essential to have things in proper order. He had smiled, raised his hands in mock surrender, and said, “I’ll never resist a lady doing extra for me.” She knew he liked the look and didn’t mind the extra work it took. Still, something was off in Benjamin’s unusually solicitous behavior—he was always thoughtful and accommodating of her unique needs, but this increased level usually preceded bad news.

She and Benjamin had had, what was for them, a fight after he returned from his last patrol. Victoria had been appalled by the risk he took that nearly killed him and told him as much. She was not buying the excuse that he sought justice for the women they rescued. Victoria knew from her DIA days the 252s had enslaved scores of women before these and were sure to enslave many more afterward—his sacrifice would make no difference. Then she foolishly demanded a promise that he not take any more chances with his life.

Benjamin was contrite—he admitted he had miscalculated the level of danger—but reminded her that his job entailed some risks. He could not make that promise. As they did with all their disagreements, they talked it out, then went to sleep in each other’s arms. But Victoria feared Benjamin might rethink their relationship as a result.

Victoria was finishing her meal of Orange

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