“She’s fine.” Kaia shifted in her seat and stifled a grin. The keiki knew where her priorities were.
Jesse approached. “What happened?”
“I ran into some men just off base. I’m not sure what they were up to, but whatever it was, they weren’t happy at my appearance.” She told him about her ordeal.
“Did you recognize them?”
She hesitated. If she told him about Pele Hawai′i, Mano might fall under suspicion. As well as implicating her brother, it could lead to even more demands by the navy for her help. She couldn’t afford any more distractions from her research. She decided to ignore his question. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it back to the boat before they got to me, but Mike was just starting to look for me. When the men saw the navy boat, they headed off in the opposite direction.”
Jesse’s composed face never altered as she went through her story. He nodded at a few points then asked his men some questions. They hadn’t seen anything other than the boat speeding away.
“You should report this to the police,” Jesse said.
Kaia splayed her fingers palms up. “Why? I injured myself falling out of the tree. My only bruises are self-inflicted.”
Jesse frowned. “Maybe they could help identify the men. They’ve got artists to help you recreate the faces.”
“I just want to go home.” Kaia reached forward and rubbed her ankle. She needed to keep him from asking her again if she recognized the men.
“That looks bad,” he said. He touched the purple bruises with gentle fingers.
She tensed at the way her nerve endings sprang to life. His hair was only inches away, and she had an urge to put her fingers in that short blond cap. Her hand crept toward his head, and she snatched it back. What was she thinking? He was ten years older and not her type at all.
Jesse seemed oblivious, but Kaia couldn’t look him in the eye. “What’s next?” she asked, careful to keep her tone impersonal.
Before he could answer, an older man stepped into the room. Kaia recognized the insignia on his uniform as that of a navy captain.
Jesse stood at attention and saluted.
“At ease.” The man didn’t smile.
Jesse went to an at-ease stance with his hands clasped behind his back. He introduced the man to Kaia as Captain Stanley Lawton. Lawton’s gaze raked over her, making Kaia feel she was a beached starfish on display. And what was that noise? She realized the captain was grinding his teeth.
The captain’s probing eyes zeroed in on Jesse. “Matthews, I’ve been patient with you and your family problems. But this missile defense system is critical. I don’t want any more attempted break-ins. You’re going to have to prove to me you can handle this job, or I’ll ask the base commander to replace you.”
A muscle twitched in Jesse’s jaw. Kaia wished she could come to his defense, but she knew it would humiliate him further. Heidi scowled at Lawton and took Kaia’s hand. Kaia studied her ankle and tried to disappear.
“I can handle it, sir. I’m going to need more men.”
“Then request the men you need, but I want results—not excuses. If there are any further security breaches, I’ll take steps.” Lawton’s scowl deepened, and he spun on his heel and stalked out of the room.
Kaia was glad the man hadn’t addressed her. She was in no shape to withstand his withering tongue.
Jesse gave orders to his aide then turned back to Kaia. “We’re going to make some changes. I’m going to see if Faye can let Heidi sleep at her house. I’ll pick her up after work and feed her dinner before I take her back at bedtime so I can join you on the boat.”
“But, Uncle Jesse!”
Jesse shot Heidi a look that said the topic wasn’t open for discussion. Even so, Kaia thought she saw regret there too.
“You won’t get any sleep.” And she wasn’t sure she wanted him looking over her shoulder every minute. His confident strength disturbed her and made her wonder what it would be like to kiss him, to share her past hurts with him.
“I’ll survive it. The tests will be over in two weeks. I can crash for a few minutes at a time on deck.” His stance tense, he stood with his arms folded across his chest.
This wasn’t up to her, so she nodded. “I’d better go get this ankle wrapped.” She stood and swayed from the pain that shot up her leg.
“Let me help you.” Jesse caught her hand then swung her up into his arms.
Taken off guard, she stiffened.
“Relax,” he said in her ear.
She could hear amusement in his voice but didn’t dare look at his face. She could have fried an egg on her cheeks.
“Follow me, Heidi.” He carried Kaia outside and across the parade ground to the naval hospital emergency room. A nurse tried to stop him at the desk with a wheelchair for Kaia, but he ignored her and carried Kaia back to a room.