Chapter 9

Rory stood under the street light, waiting for Lucia. They planned to meet downtown in a public area, but not where the crowds were. She hoped Lucia didn’t bail on her. Her sister had warned her that she was stirring up trouble and didn’t want a piece of it. She understood and didn’t want Lucia to get involved, but she needed someone to talk to.

When Lucia stepped out of the shadows, Rory heaved a huge sigh before running over to hug her sister. Lucia held her tight, her lips right at Rory’s ear.

“You need to stop looking into whatever you found.”

Rory pulled back enough to see her sister’s face. “Did you hear anything?”

Lucia shook her head. “No, but I’m worried about you.”

“I’m worried, too.”

“Don’t tell me everything. I can’t lie. I’ll have to tell if they ask me anything because I’m awful at lying.”

“I know. I just wanted to see you.”

“I wanted to see you, too. ”

Rory picked up that something was wrong with Lucia. “What’s up?”

“The girl I was dating is moving across the country.” Lucia’s voice was flat, and Rory picked up hints of anger.

Thoughts of Harry moving or her having to leave California filled her, and she realized she didn’t want to lose her relationship with Harry. Not that they’d done more than hang out a few times, but she really connected with him. They would be good together. “I’m sorry.”

“It was going well, and now she’s being moved.”

Rory knew Lucia really liked this woman. Now, it seemed like they would be over. She hated that for her sister. “That sucks.”

“It does.”

“Do you think you two will stay in contact?”

Lucia shook her head. “No. She’s not the type. I should have known not to get involved.”

“I wish I could do something.”

“Find me a good person.”

Rory threw back her head, and laughter spilled out. Lucia rolled her eyes and then started walking. Rory followed her sister.

“I think I’d have an easier time finding a bar of gold on the street than finding you a good person to be involved with. I can’t even find one for myself without potentially getting in trouble.”

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.”

“I know, love. I’ll keep it to myself, but watch your back. I’m not digging, but if I find more, I’ll have to do something.”

“Okay, but just don’t. And this guy, he’d better be worth it. ”

Rory smiled to herself as warmth spread. “I think he is.”

Lucia huffed. “Good for you. Now I need to find someone. I don’t like long, lonely nights.”

Rory hugged Lucia close before she let go. They stopped by a vendor and bought hot cocoa. It was funny how people in California thought this was cold, but she didn’t mind sipping cocoa with her sister while they strolled down the Embarcadero heading back to their cars. She didn’t question Lucia about where she found people to date. It would be much better for Lucia if she found a civilian and not another military person. Of course, here she was planning on getting busy with a SEAL. She should follow her own advice on the subject.

Not once in her childhood could she have imagined a life like this. Lucia wasn’t an officer but had a great position and made good money. Lucia was well respected and worked hard. Rory didn’t want to ruin that for her sister. She would do all she could to keep Lucia out of this. Heck, she didn’t want to be involved in it herself, but she was by no fault of her own. Ignoring the information wasn’t working, not really. Eventually, she’d have to make a decision. She just hoped it was the right one.