Her Very Strict Captain by Carpenter, Maggie (best book club books of all time TXT) 📗

“Yep, and if I’m right, he now has cash, a phone, and a loaded gun; speaking of which, is there something you forgot to tell me?”

Chapter 26

Elizabeth’s face burned hot.

Averting her gaze, she tried to think of something to say, but everything that sprang to mind sounded feeble.

“Let’s start at the beginning,” Scott said patiently. “You decided to see if you could find the entrance to Conchello’s encampment off the beach. Being a cop, you’re used to carrying a weapon going into dangerous situations. How am I doing so far?”

“Uh, yeah,” she muttered, thinking he didn’t seem as upset with her as she’d thought he would be.

“You figured you might find a gun in the supply closet, and you did. Fortunately you had no use for it and returned it when you got back. My only question is why didn’t you tell me?”

“Even though I needed it, I didn’t feel right taking it. I guess I was embarrassed,” she admitted. “But I was going to tell you at some point. I just never got around to it. I’m sorry, Scott. I shouldn’t have gone hunting for it in the first place. Please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, not exactly,” he said with a growing frown. “It’s just… it’s very important we’re straight with each other.”

“I know, and I—”

“The point is,” he continued, interrupting her, “I know I can be tough, but I don’t want you to be afraid of me, or afraid to talk to me, not ever, not about anything. If I’ve made you feel that way, I’m sorry.”

His comment was the last thing she’d expected, and taken aback, she was at a loss for words.

“Elizabeth, have I made you feel that way?”

“No, not at all,” she replied earnestly. “I didn’t tell you because I was embarrassed, not because I was scared.”

As he abruptly leaned forward and pulled her into his arms, she heard him let out a breath.

He’d been worried.

Her heart swelled.

“You’re welcome to whatever you need,” he murmured as she sank against him, “but you’re not to go off on any more lone wolf explorations.”

“I know, and I won’t. I do have a question though. How did you know?”

“Ah, I’ve been meaning to tell you about this,” he declared, breaking the hug and picking up his phone from the desk. “We’ve had so many other things going on I just haven’t had the chance. Meet Einstein.”

“Your phone? Wait—is this room monitored? Did you see me?”

“Yes and no,” he replied. “Think of this phone as a Harvard professor. Your so-called smart phone is barely in kindergarten. There’s some very expensive equipment in that closet. When you opened the door, I was alerted, just as I was when you pulled out the compartment that held the gun, and again when you returned it. This phone is constantly giving me information. Most of it is superfluous, but when it’s not, it’s usually vitally important.”

“Doesn’t it drive you crazy? How can you possibly keep track of it all?”

“I’ve been doing this a while,” he replied with a grin. “I can check every room in this house, lock doors and unlock doors, I can do just about anything you can imagine with this device, but I will admit, learning to use it was like a college course.”

“I hope it never falls into the wrong hands.”

“It has several features to deal with unauthorized users.”

“I’m sure, but Scott, I am sorry I didn’t tell you about the gun, and thank you for being so great about it.”

“I know you are, and it’s cool. Next time, though, speak up. I’ll always supply you with whatever you need, unless I think there’s a reason not to.”

“I will, for sure. Um, is there much more for you to do?”

“A few things, and I have to wait for Jack. Why? Are you ready to call it a night?”

“I think so. I’m tired, but I’m still a bit keyed up.”

“I’ll make you my special nighttime toddy. It’s guaranteed to help you relax and go to sleep.”

“I doubt I’ll be able to sleep without you next to me,” she said softly, leaning her head against his shoulder.

“You’re welcome to stay, but you are looking pretty beat.”

She yawned, then nodded. “I am.”

“Come on,” he said, rising to his feet and taking her hand. “You hit the sack, and I’ll bring in your drink.”

“Can you put the security camera network on my phone? It will give me something to do while I’m winding down.”

“There’s a television in the armoire.”

“I know, but I love looking at security cameras, they’re so intriguing,” she said with a grin, “even when there’s nothing going on.”

“I’ll give you another phone that has it already installed. It’s not like Einstein, but you’ll be able to monitor the cameras to your heart’s content, though I doubt there’ll be much to see. You go, and I’ll bring it to you shortly.”

As she ambled from the room, she could feel the fatigue moving through her body. She’d always thought of herself as athletic, fit, and healthy, but Scott was like Superman.

Readying herself for bed, she imagined him in his fatigues running black ops in the Middle East. She suspected he saw the operation against Conchello like a walk in the park compared to what he’d experienced in the past, but the drug lord could not be underestimated, not for a second. Just the thought sent a chill shivering down her spine.

As she climbed between the sheets, Scott walked in the door. Watching him stride across the room toward her, she couldn’t help but admire his tall, muscled frame and chiseled handsome face.

“You could’ve been a model.”

He laughed out loud, almost spilling the drink in his hand.

“It’s not that funny,” she exclaimed, though starting to giggle herself.

“Me, striding down a runway wearing trendy fashions? I don’t think so, though hanging out with the girls might have been fun.”

“Smart ass.”

“But I find beautiful law enforcement women much more appealing,” he added, shooting her a wink. “Here you go,” he continued, placing a