Danger In The Deep. Karen Kirst

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       TWO

      Sabotage? The word wasn’t part of her everyday life. Olivia understood why a military man like Brady would consider it. He was conditioned to combat evil in the world.

      “There isn’t a single person on the aquarium payroll whom I’d consider capable of such an act.”

      He held her gaze. “Capable in knowledge or intent?”

      “There are plenty of certified divers here, but no one who’d willingly damage scuba equipment.”

      “Not even for a joke?” Brady said.

      “That’s not my idea of a joke.”

      Erin sat beside her. “You were called away for an urgent phone call, remember?”

      Olivia had forgotten about the summons. She’d been told that an American Zoo Association representative was requesting information about the upcoming fund-raiser, but when she’d gotten to the phone, the line was dead. She dismissed any thoughts of foul play. This was her second home. Her coworkers were her substitute family. The aquarium had kept her in the Jacksonville area after Derek’s death. If she didn’t adore her job, she would’ve returned to Cherokee in the western part of the state or even sought employment at a different aquarium.

      “True,” she said, “but you were here.”

      Worry lines dug into Erin’s forehead. “Actually, I dashed to the restroom.”

      Brady bent and retrieved his jacket. The long-sleeved gray shirt he wore, wet from his foray into the tank, adhered to his muscular shoulders and biceps like glue. He straightened and regarded them with his arctic blue-gray gaze. His customary air of authority—gleaned from flight school and his subsequent climb through the ranks—was in place. He was accustomed to being respected and admired, not befriended or loved. She believed he preferred it that way. Why else would he work so hard at keeping others at arm’s length?

      A shame, because he had a lot to offer. She’d witnessed his tireless commitment to community service. Each Christmas season, he was instrumental in local gift collection for Toys for Tots. He gave his time and energy each week to kids who lacked positive role models. She’d seen evidence of his compassion and selflessness, his patriotism and work ethic. She’d even seen him let go and have fun. He and Derek had played together on a church basketball team. On the court, he’d forgotten his childhood wounds, forgotten the drive to prove his worth and simply enjoyed himself.

      Olivia wanted to get to know that Brady, but she doubted she’d ever have the chance.

      “So there was a window of opportunity?” he said, scattering her thoughts.

      Standing to her feet, she unzipped the wet suit. “It was a fluke. A one-off.”

      James, who’d been looking over the equipment, joined them. “I’m inclined to agree. We’ll have these serviced before using them again.”

      Brady pushed his damp hair off his forehead. “You aren’t going to do an in-house investigation?”

      “I’ll discuss it with the director. For now, it’s enough to know that Olivia is unharmed,” James said. He gestured to the guard, who left his spot at the railing.

      “It’s time for you to go, Captain Johnson.”

      Olivia glanced between the men, realizing they intended to evict him from the aquarium. That meant he wouldn’t be able to stay for the program. She considered seizing the chance to avoid spending time with Brady but quickly dismissed it. He’d entered the shark tank to try to help her.

      “Let him stay.”

      Everyone stared at her.

      “Please, James. He won’t be jumping into any more tanks, I promise.”

      Relenting, James lectured Brady about safety protocols and sent the guard on his way.

      “The kids get here in an hour. Olivia, may I speak to you alone before they arrive?”

      She masked her reluctance with a nod. “I’ll meet you in Stingray Bay.”

      When he’d left with Leon, Erin shot her a confess-all look. “Who is that?”

      How to define their non-relationship? Someone she’d hoped could be a friend?

      Regret pinched her heart. “He was important to my husband.”