Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
“ C ’mon, brew faster, dammit.” Providence moaned. She needed coffee now. It was the only thing that would clear out the cobwebs from her sleepless night. After trying everything else, she finally put on an old movie and had a glass of bourbon, but even that hadn’t knocked her out. Leaning against the kitchen island while waiting amped up her tension. Even staring out the window at the peaceful neighborhood didn’t soothe her frazzled nerves.
Finally. The moan and sizzle from the coffeemaker had her reaching for her mug. She added the perfect amount of fat-free half and half to cool it down enough to drink and breathed deep. The first sip lifted the corner of her mouth but did nothing for the butterflies slamming around in her stomach looking for an escape route. Hopefully, it wasn’t a portend of things to come later on when they got to the salon.
What if she screwed this up, or their plan imploded? Tempest was the only one who had any experience with this type of thing. Maybe Providence should have just gone to the local authorities. Without solid proof and only the whispered words of Mary, her nail technician, they never would have believed her.
Nibbling on her thumbnail, she didn’t want her new friends to get injured. Providence worried that not only could she have endangered them, but also the trafficked women she wanted to help. She didn’t even want to think about the damage it would do to her career. Oh yeah, she could kiss that goodbye if command got wind of their plan. There were protocols and she was involving herself in something she shouldn’t, not that it would stop her.
On top of all of that, Providence felt guilty about putting Tony off all week. He’d texted her several times, checking to make sure she was doing well, and if she wanted to meet him for dinner. Ugh. She’d been afraid to—not because she wasn’t attracted to him—but because she was. He wouldn’t be a random hookup. They worked on the same base, for goodness’ sake. It was even worse than being on the same ship. Somehow she knew he’d be trouble for the heart she kept hidden away. Catching feelings was the road to ruin. Her parents had drilled that delightful notion into her head at a young age.
The chime of her cell pulled her from her reverie. Dammit . If she didn’t pull herself out of all this useless self-reflection, she’d drown in it. The therapy she’d undergone years ago taught her how to compartmentalize and deal with one thing at a time. These last few days, all that knowledge had gone out the window. She’d been letting the stress drag her into the mists of melancholy. It had to stop.
Her phone rang again. Glancing at the screen, she hoped it wasn’t Tony again. She hated ignoring him. Now was just not a good time. Besides worrying about getting involved with him, she didn’t want him to find out about their recon mission. Thankfully, it was Tempest’s name that popped up.
Tempest: Morning. We still on for later?
Were they? She could still stop this before getting anyone else involved. Then she remembered the sadness in Mary’s eyes when she spoke about her daughter. It cemented Providence’s resolve.
Providence: Yes ma’am. Everyone else still on board?
They’d be meeting at Grace’s house. It would be easier to take one car and hers was the largest. It was a girls’ day, after all.
Tempest: Of course. Grace is practically foaming at the mouth to save those women. It hits too close to home after what happened to Hope.
Providence had been afraid of that. It was a good thing Grace and Tempest’s gruff father turned them into a couple of badasses. Still, she prayed Grace wouldn’t have nightmares from this.
Providence: I hope she’ll be okay.
Tempest: Of course. I’m more worried about Harmony. She’s got such a soft heart.
It was a concern of Providence’s, too. But she’d seen the strength in the woman’s gaze when they’d all met for coffee on Thursday to confirm their plans.
Providence: See you in a few hours.
Tempest: Later.
She grinned at her phone. Josh’s influence was obvious. Tempest was a different woman from when she’d met her.
Lifting her mug, Providence sighed when it was empty. She couldn’t recall drinking it. Another sign of the gray fog. After making another mug, she carried it to her backyard and grabbed her yoga mat. It was time for some yoga and meditation. If anything could get her centered for the operation, they’d dubbed “Saving the Flowers,” it would.
“ E veryone ready?” Providence asked as she glanced at each of the women before they climbed out of Grace’s SUV.
“Hell yeah,” Tempest and Grace said in unison.
Harmony smiled and nodded. “I am, but I’m nervous. But that’s a good thing. I’ll for sure be tripping over something without even thinking about it.”
Providence reached for her hand, where it rested on the seat between them, and squeezed it gently. “You’ll be fine. We just need to pull John’s focus away from the women. If it doesn’t work, we’ll think of something else. At least we’ll still have beautiful fingers and toes.”
Providence met Tempest’s gaze and nodded. This had to work. If not, it could become a clusterfuck and risk all their lives.
A bell rang as they entered the Lotus Blossom Salon. As always, John stood at the front desk, his sharp, stony gaze seemed to take in everything. In all the months Providence had been going there, it had never changed.
“We’re here for our one o’clock appointments,” Providence said as she approached the desk.
John’s stare gave her the heebie-jeebies, but she didn’t blink. She refused to back down to bullies. A brief flicker in his eyes had the butterflies darting for cover in her stomach. What was up with this man? He exuded per evil.
“Mary, Val, Ann, and Cathy.” John’s voice boomed across the salon. Only two other customers were being worked on, but his shout quieted their muffled voices.
Providence scrutinized Mary as she approached, looking for any sign her situation had worsened.
“Hi, Miss Providence.” Her smile looked more forced than usual. “We’ll start with your pedi, yes?”
“Perfect, thank you. I’ve been so happy with how you take care of me. I brought my friends with me today.”
John grunted from behind the counter. The other technicians introduced themselves to Tempest, Grace, and Harmony and led them over to the pedicure chairs.
Providence settled into the chair and rolled her jeans up to her knees. Her friends were doing the same, except for Harmony, who’d sat down but leaned forward almost immediately.
“I need to use the restroom first, please?” Harmony asked.
Ann nodded. “It’s behind curtain,” she responded in heavily accented English.
As they’d arranged, Harmony would be the distraction. It was now or never. Providence tried not to hold her breath as Harmony attempted to slide to the side of the footbath, but her foot caught on the edge, and she fell to her knees.
“Ooof,” Harmony exclaimed as her knees landed on the floor. Providence winced at her painful cry. She’d hated this idea, but Harmony claimed it wouldn’t be a big deal.
John rushed forward to help her up. “You can’t sue us. It was your fault. You’re a clumsy American.”
Harmony had tears in her eyes. “Please, could you help me to the bathroom? I promise I won’t sue you.”
John studied her for a moment, then nodded. “ Вы все ведите себя хорошо, пока меня нет, или вы заплатите за это позже .”
Providence’s Russian wasn’t as good as Tempest’s, but it sounded like he’d said, “You all behave, or you’ll pay the price later.” At the thinly veiled threat, Providence and Tempest exchanged glances. There was no time to waste. John could be back at any moment.
Providence leaned forward and whispered to Mary. Even without John in the room, they weren’t sure if any of the other women were plants. Tempest warned them it happened frequently in trafficking organizations.
“Are you okay? Is Sandy?”
“Yes, not hurt. Okay,” Mary whispered back as she folded the towel and placed it on the end of the footbath, then lifted her foot from the water.
Providence checked to make sure they weren't being watched, although there was always a chance there was a camera she hadn’t spotted. After one more check, she reached into her purse and pulled out a small phone and charger. She couldn’t believe Tempest had found one of the tiny flip-phones. They’d put a tracker in it, but she didn’t have the time to explain all of that to Mary.
“Take this. You can text or have Sandy text me if something happens. Try to keep it on so we can try to find you. Anything you can tell us about where you’re being held will help. I promise we’ll get you out of there.”
Mary’s eyebrows lifted, then she looked around the salon before slipping the phone and charger down the front of her pants. “I’m not sure I can.”
“Please try. Are you all in one place after you leave?”
“Yes. It’s under stairs, no windows.”
Were they being kept in a basement? That would make things a little harder. But first, they needed to know the location of the building where they were being held.
“Are you safe for now?”
Mary sighed and nodded, once again looking around before she started speaking. “Yes, for now. But can change.”
John came out of the back, and his gaze stopped on Providence and Mary. It took all her restraint not to let him see her flinch. They’d raised his suspicions, but there was no avoiding it. Without Harmony’s distraction, she’d never have been able to slip the phone to Mary or speak to her other than to select the colors she wanted to use on her nails.
A few minutes later, Harmony limped out of the bathroom. Providence would need to check her knees when they got out to the SUV. They’d be meeting the men at the Ready Room later and she really hoped that Harmony would be fine, or Ry might lose it. Thinking about the other men, she wondered if she should have invited Tony to meet her at the Ready Room, too. With all their friends there, it would be easy to keep things from getting too personal.
While they waited for their nails to dry, they sat on the benches at the front of the salon. Providence hoped it would give her another chance to speak with Mary. But John kept too tight a rein on them, and the woman barely looked in her direction. She prayed he wouldn’t take it out on the women when he got them back to wherever he stashed them overnight.
Providence never understood how people could be so cruel to each other. To hate someone with such vehemence that they’d take their life seemed inconceivable to her, even after being in the Navy for so long. But trafficking was the absolute worst. To buy and sell another human being went against every tenet of humanity. Let alone the oath she’d taken when she became a doctor.
The buying and selling of humans permeated the world. Saving these women wouldn’t even make a dent in the hundreds, maybe thousands, more that no one knew about. At least they’d done something. No way would she stand by and allow it to continue. They’d rescue these women and Mary’s daughter, no matter what it took.
The women were quiet as they walked across the parking lot to the SUV. Their adrenalin from the mission dissipating. But it was the same every time Providence left Mary, knowing she might never see her again. Still, they had a plan and with any luck and lots of prayers, they’d be able to pull off “Operation Saving the Flowers.”
“Harmony, how are your knees?” Providence asked as they neared the vehicle.
“They’re good. A little sensitive. I promise, it looked worse than it was. I’ve gotten good at bracing myself.” Harmony giggled. “It’s not a skill many people have.”
“No, I bet not. I’d still like to check them. The doctor in me insists on it.” Providence grinned.
Tempest and Grace laughed.
“You’re the Klutz Queen and our savior today. Without that stunt, I wouldn’t have been able to slip Mary the phone. I can’t thank you enough.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I wanted to help. There’s nothing worse than being controlled against your will.”
Harmony’s sad smile dredged up feelings Providence would prefer stay locked away. It seemed like she wasn’t the only one with misery in her background. She didn’t know Harmony’s story yet, but she’d find out.
“I appreciate the help—from all of you. I’m worried he’s going to find the phone, and it will be worse for them.”
Tempest sighed. “There was always going to be that chance. But we need to believe this will work out. It’s the only option we had. Since Mary is determined to make sure her daughter is safe, she’ll be extra careful.”
Providence nodded. Mary’s bravery and need to protect her child pulled on Providence’s heartstrings. It made her even more determined to pry them out of their hell.
“I know what will cheer us all up,” Grace said as they climbed into the SUV.
“What’s that?” Tempest asked.
“Appetizers at the Ready Room and maybe a drink or two. Since the guys won’t be there until later and can drive us home if they need to, I suggest we get a head start.”
“That sounds perfect to me,” Harmony said.
Providence agreed. “Okay, while you drive, I’m going to look at Harmony’s knees. I don’t feel like dying today.”
“Why would you die?”
Providence grinned. “I promised Ry I’d keep you safe from harm. That man is more protective than Whiskey. I thought he was going to make Whiskey come with us on guard dog duty.”
“Seriously? I’m going to have to talk to him. He’s way over the top. I’m a grown woman. Sure, I end up getting hurt a lot, but it’s nothing a band aid or an ice pack won’t cure. He’s so frustrating.”
Tempest laughed from the front seat. “I call b.s. You know damn well that you love his attention. Fuck. We all do. I never thought I’d want a man like that either, but Josh changed my mind.”
“Lucky did, too,” Grace said.
“Really?” Providence asked.
“Really,” they answered in unison.
“How about you? Are you thinking about dating a certain SEAL commander we all know and love?” Tempest asked.
“No. Maybe. Dammit. I don’t know. I’m so confused. I’m going to have to bless my own heart.”
The women chuckled. It was funny, but all too true. Providence liked him. The little time they’d spent together had been lovely. But after so many years on her own, was she ready to adapt to another person in her life?
“What are you worried about?” Grace asked.
“Everything? I haven’t had a serious relationship since med school and that wasn’t all that serious. A few one-night stands over the years don’t count, right?”
“Nope.” Harmony shrugged. “At least you weren’t a twenty-eight-year-old virgin.”
“No, I’m definitely not that. But since it’s been at least ten years since I’ve had a guy in my va-jay-jay, I’m sure it’s dusty in there.”
Tempest snorted she laughed so hard. Then she twisted in her seat so she could see Providence. “Oh, I bet Tony would be happy to blow the dust off that.”
“Oh my God, you did not.” Providence covered her mouth and then burst out laughing.
“She sure as fuck did. Go, Sis.” Grace high-fived her sister.
“Did you invite him to meet us later?” Harmony asked quietly.
“No. Do you think I should? I don’t know why I didn’t think about it before. I guess I’ve been too busy avoiding his texts.” Providence hated her indecision. They’d agreed to be friends. They could add benefits to that, right? Or not. Either way, it wouldn’t be the end of the world to spend more time with him. She enjoyed his company.
“Nothing is more important than sex,” Grace said. “I was the queen of one-night stands. A total love ‘em and leave ‘em type of girl. But Lucky changed all that.”
“C’mon, Grace. You know there are tons of things more important. But it is up there.” Harmony turned bright red.
“What do you two think? Should I text Tony and see if he wants to join us?”
“I would, but remember, he doesn’t hang out with the guys very much. He might turn you down,” Tempest said.
“Maybe, but he’s been texting me all week, trying to get me to go out to dinner with him.”
“He has? Ooh. Wait. Why didn’t you go?” Grace asked.
“Um. I was worried I’d spill the beans about Operation Saving the Flowers.” And getting too close to him, but she didn’t need to share that with her friends.
“Nope, not buying it. You wouldn’t have, so what’s the real reason?” Tempest asked.
“Fine. Neither of us dates, like ever. We work on the same base. What if we get involved and then break it off? It won’t be his career on the line, but it could be mine. I worked too damn hard to get where I am. I don’t want to risk it.”
“I can’t see Tony ever hurting you,” Harmony said.
“Maybe not, but I could hurt him. I’m bad at this. I’ve spent most of the last eighteen years fending off horny seamen. That I’m good at. Spending time with someone, small talk, all of that, nope.”
“You didn’t look like you were having any trouble at the party.” Harmony said.
“You’re right. There’s something about him…”
“Well fuck, girl. In for a penny, in for a pound. You need to go for it,” Harmony said, her cheeks getting rosy again when everyone turned to look at her. “What?”
“You said fuck.”
“So?” Harmony smirked.
“You never curse. We’re rubbing off on you, girl.” Grace laughed.
“Providence, text Tony. See what happens. If it gets too weird, we’ll all be there, right?”
Providence nodded. Stress was her middle name today. The worry for Mary and the others was making acid singe the butterfly wings fluttering in her belly. Pulling her phone out of her purse, she sighed and started typing.
Providence: Hi, Tony.
Tony: Hey. I didn’t expect to hear from you. Aren’t you hanging out with the girls?
Providence: Yes, we’ve had a great time so far. Everyone is meeting up at the Ready Room for dinner around six. I was wondering if you’d like to come too?
“Okay, y’all happy now. I asked him.”
“What did he say?” Tempest asked.
“Nothing yet. The little dots are still blinking.”
It seemed to take forever for him to answer, but the timestamp showed it was less than a minute when his answer popped up.
Tony: I’ll be there. I’m really happy you asked.
Providence: Me too. See you later.
“Mercy.” Providence sucked in a deep breath.
“What? Did he turn you down?” Grace asked.
“No. He’s coming.”
As the women said, “told you so,” Providence hoped they were right and that she’d made the right choice.