Free One Star-Spangled Night by Rogenna Brewer Page A

probably wasn’t an inch or two over six feet, but the too small space became suffocating, filling with the tang of saltwater on skin—not an all-together unpleasant scent—except the hint of JP-5. Lindsey had never been stationed aboard a ship, but she could identify carrier crews by the smell of jet fuel that permeated their pores.
    With surprising consideration, the Captain waited until Lindsey settled beside her corner desk, and then took up the now empty seat across from her. He looked around her office with the same disdain he’d directed toward her.
    Captain Reese had his strong, silent and judgy act down pat.
    Tension radiated from the man. Although the only outward sign was the way he fidgeted with his hat, now balanced on his knee as he tapped a folded piece of paper impatiently against his cover.
    He may have been trying hard not to project his discomfort, but she could sense it, feel it. “Would you be more comfortable with another chaplain?”
    It was a legitimate question, and since he’d expressed some reservation about her gender, one she felt compelled to ask.
    “Would you?”
    Did his scowl switch to a smirk?
    “No,” Lindsey answered honestly.
    Though, if they were following strict protocol, she should refer the Captain to her superior, Commander Elliot. However, being short staffed, down to only herself and the Catholic Priest, Father Elliot was just as overworked as she was. Between them, they shared one chaplain’s yeoman, a Religious Program Specialist Third Class.
    Perhaps the Captain had chosen her in accordance with his own beliefs despite his prejudicial comment.
    “You’ll do,” he said.
    “Fine.” Lindsey exhaled the word. Had she actually been holding her breath, waiting for his decision? “I just need you to fill out this counseling form and then we’ll get started.” Stretching across the space, she handed him a clipboard with attached pen and paper.
    A knock sounded on the door. The RP poked her head in, “Chaplain Alexander, I have your lunch,” she announced. “Oops, sorry. I didn’t know you were in session.”
    “It’s okay, Brenda. We’re just getting started.” Lindsey got up to meet the yeoman at the door. Thanks,” she said, taking the containers of Chinese food.
    “Your change.” Brenda handed over lose coins and a couple wadded bills as Lindsey juggled containers to take the money.
    “Maybe the Captain would like a cup of coffee—”
    “No, the Captain would not." He cut her off without bothering to look up from the clipboard. On the other side of the door, Brenda mouthed another apology for the interruption.
    “Hold my calls,” Lindsey instructed. “But buzz me when my one o’clock gets here.”
    “Sure thing. I mean, yes, ma’am.” The RP closed the door.
    “I’m sorry,” Lindsey apologized. She suspected she’d gone down another notch in his estimation. Then again, he was the one who’d showed up on her lunch hour uninvited. “LoMein?”
    “No.” He extended the clipboard, all business.
    Lindsey wrestled her lunch down to the desk and stuffed the loose change and bills into the middle drawer. Taking the clipboard from him, she released the counseling form and then groped for her reading glasses. She put them on and sank back to her seat, staring in disbelief at the blank page. Almost blank page.
    Name, rank and serial number had been filled in.
    “Captain Reese—”
    “If I were a prisoner of war that’s all I’d be required to give.”
    “This isn’t an interrogation.”
    “No, it’s not,” he agreed. “Thank you for your time, Chaplain.”
    Her gaze followed his upward movement. He’d certainly been right about only taking a minute of her time. Even though it looked like her curiosity wouldn’t be satisfied, she’d have a hot lunch as a consolation prize. Small comfort compared to the satisfaction she got from doing her job. “How can I help—?”
    “You can’t. I just want it to go on record that I was here.” He