Page 6 of The Deadly Shallows

Brooke pulled up to the active-duty line at the base gate. The visitor line wrapped around the bend—everyone, no doubt, excited to attend their loved ones’ graduation.

She swiped her ID, trying to push all thoughts of Noah Rowley from her mind. Dave was sweet and had a great sense of humor. She’d truly enjoyed her breakfast with him, but her foolish heart still belonged to a man who didn’t want it.

Passing the CGIS station, she forced her gaze straight ahead. It didn’t matter if his Jeep was in the lot or not. She wouldn’t look.

She banked left, taking the shortcut to the Ida Stiller Hall’s rear lot. As she rounded the corner of the large white building with the American, Coast Guard, and North Carolina flags rippling in the wind, she saw others had discovered the rear lot. Finally locating a space, she parked and strode for the entrance. The brisk December gusts ruffled her skirt about the top of her knee-high boots.

She could hardly believe Molly, the sweet young lady who’d shadowed her for several weeks before entering Flight Medic A-School, was graduating today. Entering the building’s outer glass doors, Brooke rubbed her chilled hands together.

“Brooke.”

She followed the direction of the familiar voice. “Hey, Austin. What are you doing here?”

“My neighbor’s grandson is graduating, and she just had a hip replacement. She didn’t want Grant graduating without anyone here to support him.”

“That’s sweet of you to come.”

“They don’t have much family. I’m happy to be here for them. Shall we?” Austin asked, holding the inner wooden door open.

“Thanks,” she said, slipping through.

“Who are you here for?” Austin asked.

“Petty Officer First Class Molly Allen. Such a great kid.” Though she was only a half dozen years older, somehow Brooke felt a strong mentor role with Molly. “Speaking of . . .” she said, turning to greet Molly as she approached. “Hi, honey,” Brooke said, wrapping an arm around the petite redhead. “Molly, this is my friend Austin Kelly.”

Molly smiled. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Same here,” Austin said. “Congratulations. This is such a big day for you.”

“Thank you.” Molly smiled as she scanned the room.

Brooke spied Molly’s friend Peter beckoning her up front as the instructors huddled on the stage chatting.

“I better go.”

“I’ll be cheering for you, and afterward we’re hitting the hard stuff at Maggie Moo’s.”

“That place has the best rocky road, hands down,” Austin said.

“Next to their cookie dough, it’s my fave,” Brooke said as Molly hurried toward the front row for what would be one of the most memorable days of her life.

A sardonic smile flickered across Dwayne’s lips as they pulled up to the building. It’d worked. The planning had paid off. Now the execution needed to be flawless. He slid his gun into his side holster.

“Shall we find a seat?” Austin asked.

“The trick is going to be finding two together,” Brooke said, scanning the full rows.

“There’s two,” Austin said, pointing toward the far left of the hall. She booked it to them, and Brooke quickened her step to keep up.

Settling into the cold metal chairs, Brooke tugged her sweater wrap tightly about her. “How’s work going?” she asked.

Austin sighed.

“That good, huh?” Brooke smiled.

“No. I mean, it’s a good case, and it’s about wrapped up.” She exhaled, her hair whipping about her forehead. “It’s the second case since September where Caleb and I are both involved. It’s his case jurisdictionally, but the family hired me to make sure everything is being done that can be done, and he’s so . . . so . . .” Her shoulders tensed. “Stubborn.”

Brooke bit back a smile. Caleb said the same about her.