Secrets Within

By Alison Clifford

Ditched by the love of his life, Andrew, a US Navy lawyer, takes time off to spend with his sister, Nell. When he succumbs to temptation on the journey to Nell’s home, the resulting one night stand with a grey-eyed woman leaves Andrew torn and confused.

Andrew’s holiday is soon disrupted when an officer on the submarine commanded by Nell’s husband is caught with stolen plans. As a favour to his brother-in-law, Andrew agrees to act on behalf of the accused officer. A specialist team of NCIS agents is called in to lead the investigation— the ex-love of Andrew’s life among them. And the local NCIS agent assisting them? The grey-eyed mystery woman – Tait.

As the investigation proceeds, what started out as a straightforward case becomes complicated, as long held secrets are revealed one by one. The key to solving the puzzle proves elusive, until one tiny piece of information exposes the biggest secret of them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alison Clifford
• Release date: Feb 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370988730

Alison Clifford

Alison began writing as a teenager, hiding away in the school library during lunch to work on her stories. None of these projects ever made it beyond the first few chapters as other interests took over.During her final year of high school, Alison joined the Australian Army Reserve and went on to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force.A fan of motorsport, Alison follows the V8 Supercars, Formula 1, and MotoGP, and loves to attend local motorsport events. As well as being a self-confessed stationery junkie, she also likes spending time at the local Botanical Gardens.Alison is married with three children and lives in Tasmania, Australia.

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Secrets Within

by

Alison Clifford

Smashwords Edition

Morandoo Press

Copyright © Alison Clifford 2017

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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Start of Secrets Within

About Alison Clifford

Other books by Alison Clifford

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Chapter One

In hindsight, he should have known what Sue’s answer would be. The hints had been there—she’d refused to move in with him, she’d insisted on being independent and doing things on her own way, and she’d even gone away for weekends without him.

Obvious, really. To everyone except him.

He’d prepared a speech and bought a ring, and she’d laughed at him.

A flush of hot embarrassment flooded Andrew’s body, setting his aching skull to an even deeper level of pain. The throbbing remains of the alcohol he’d sculled when he made it home pushed a low groan from the depths of his broken heart.

A pounding on the bedroom door had him clamping his hands over his ears.

Andrew! It’s late!

Okay, he managed from a throat that felt more like dry parchment than living flesh. I’m getting up.

He waited until the footsteps on the far side of the door faded before tossing the covers back and sitting up. The world swam for a moment and then righted itself.

Thank God, Andrew muttered, cautiously opening his eyes further than the crack he’d allowed so far. Stomach, he laid a hand on his gut, okay so far.

He closed one eye again, and keeping the other open eased himself off the bed and stood. Confident he had his balance under control, Andrew shuffled to the adjoining bathroom and flicked on the light. His one open eye narrowed to a slit as he made his way to the toilet. Important matters taken care of, he turned on the shower and eased into the warm water with a sigh. He opened his mouth and allowed the spray to moisten his tongue and dispel some of the dryness. His head continued its pounding, but the water relaxed his muscles. He turned, allowing the water to beat on the back of his shoulders.

Sue.

The memory of last night’s humiliation swamped him again. He closed his eye and took a deep breath.

Forget her.

Tears stung his eyes, salt water joining the warm spray of the shower as he wept silently for his lost dreams. Sue as his wife, a home of their own, children, love. All gone.

Andrew?

His father’s voice reached him from the bedroom door. Andrew sniffed and wiped his face.

Nearly done, he managed to call back.

Okay.

Toughen up, Andrew muttered as he reached for the soap. You’re stronger than that. He took a deep breath. You have to be stronger than that.

Twenty minutes later he was in the kitchen; showered, shaved, and dressed. Roy, his father, had passed him a mug of coffee as he walked in and had said nothing. Andrew popped two paracetamol tablets from the strip lying on the bench and sipped his coffee. Roy stared out of the window, drinking from his own mug.

Toast? Roy asked after a long silence.

No thanks. Andrew breathed the aroma of the hot liquid and took another mouthful, waiting for the painkillers to take effect.

I’m sorry.

Andrew looked up at Roy. The older man gave him a tiny smile and looked away again. The pain in Andrew’s heart loosened its grip for a moment at the sympathy and understanding in the smile.

She may change her mind. Andrew knew as soon as he’d said the words that she wouldn’t. A wave of sadness broke over him. How could I not see she didn’t want me? he asked, his voice low. He took a slow breath, willing control.

Because you love her.

I hate her. For a second he believed it, a flash of anger burning away his sadness. Roy said nothing.

Andrew sighed and then swallowed the last of his coffee. Life goes on, he said as he placed the mug on the bench and then reached for his hat. And I have to be in court at ten.

Are you going to be all right for that?

It’s just a sentencing, and I didn’t drink that much.

Didn’t you? How’s that moss in your mouth feeling?

No moss. Andrew avoided Roy’s gaze.

And the head?

Just fine.

He felt Roy’s eyes on him, but he didn’t look up. If he saw the sympathy in his father’s face he’d probably lose control, and he couldn’t risk that happening.

Andrew walked out to the hallway where he’d left his briefcase. He paused in front of the mirror and checked his uniform. The khaki of the Navy work dress always reminded him of the army, but his Navy Judge Advocate General insignia, and that of his rank, Lieutenant Commander, was all Navy. He set his cap on his red hair and nodded to his reflection.

Here, you might need these.

Andrew turned to Roy, who offered him a pair of sunglasses.

Thanks. The paracetamol had taken the edge off his hangover, but he would need the glasses. I’ll see you tonight, he said and stepped out into the bright Washington DC morning.

How did it go?

Andrew looked up at his commanding officer. Seven years, parole in four, sir.

Fair enough sentence. What did you ask for?

Ten.

And what did you want?

Andrew smiled. Six as a minimum.

Well done then, the CO said.

Thank you, sir.

Doing the paperwork now?

Andrew’s smile disappeared. The boss would know he was doing that, so why the question? Yes sir.

Good. Once you’ve finished that, you can leave.

Leave?

The boss dropped a form on the desk in front of Andrew. Your balance of days due is too high for human resources’s liking, so I’m sending you on three weeks’ liberty.

But…

You look like shit, Campbell. You need a break, so you’re taking one.

But sir…

That’s an order, Lieutenant Commander.

Andrew swallowed and rose to his feet. Yes sir.

You’re a good lawyer, Campbell—one of the best JAG has. I don’t want you burning out, so take some time off. Get out of DC and go see that sister of yours, or find a beach and lie in the sun.

Andrew glanced down at his hands, his fair skin covered in freckles.

His CO obviously noted his look and added, Maybe not the beach, but get away from here. If I see your face around here before the end of your liberty, I’ll have you thrown in the brig. Understand?

Yes sir.

Great, exactly what he didn’t need. Right now, he wanted something to do, something to take his mind off Sue’s rejection, and he’d been ordered to do nothing for three weeks.

Andrew waited for the CO to leave, sat down and rested his head in his hands and closed his eyes. The ache in his head was returning to full strength, the tablets he’d taken earlier wearing off. He wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for the next three weeks. Not something Roy would let him get away with. Perhaps a visit to his sister, Nell, was a good idea. Her husband, a submarine skipper, was about to leave on deployment so she would probably appreciate the company. And it would get him away from here, and away from any chance of bumping into Sue.

Depression began to well up once more, but Andrew crushed it down before it could take hold. He lifted his head and stared at the computer screen in front of him. He had a case to wind up and a report to file. Then he would make plans. And he would forget about Sue.

Chapter Two

Tait raised a hand to attract the bartender’s attention.

Two bourbons, straight up, she shouted over the noise of the club.

The bartender nodded and reached for the glasses, turned, and measured the bourbon into each one. Tait kept a close eye on the glasses as he put them down on the bar. She moved fast, placing an open hand over the two, and passed the money to the bartender with the other. A girl on her own couldn’t be too careful these days.

She grabbed two cardboard coasters and balanced one on each of the glasses before turning with them in her hands and heading for a free table. She’d just reached it when a tall guy arrived at the opposite side with a beer in hand.

Mine, she called, staking her claim.

The man nodded and turned away, and then turned back.

There’s no others free. Do you mind if I sit here anyway?

Tait cast a quick assessing look over him. He wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t staring at her chest either, so she nodded. Okay.

She sat down and removed the coaster from one of the glasses and took a mouthful. The straight liquor burned her throat and filled her nostrils with its aroma. The music in the club beat a strong rhythm that echoed through her body. The place was filling up. It was karaoke night.

Tait looked over at the man who’d joined her. He stared down at his beer, his brow creased under a short crop of red hair. His hunched shoulders and an air of remoteness intrigued her. He didn’t look happy, and in a club on a night like this, that made him unusual.

Tait drained the bourbon from the first glass and uncovered the second. As she raised it to her lips, out of the corner of her eye she caught the man staring at her. She paused and gave him a quick smile before sinking half of the drink.

Courage, she said, tilting the glass in his direction.

For what?

His eyes were vivid green. She saw the colour even in the dimmed light of the club. His brow still creased and Tait had a feeling he wasn’t really with it. Maybe it had been a mistake to let him sit there.

For singing.

She watched him closely as he turned to the stage at one end of the room. Two microphone stands stood in the centre with a karaoke machine off to one side. His head snapped back around and his green eyes caught her grey ones.

Karaoke? he asked.

Tait smiled. The look of horror on his face reassured her. He wasn’t stoned—he’d just had his mind elsewhere.

Sure is. Competition on tonight. You should hang around—it’ll be a hoot. She laughed at the scepticism on his face.

A hoot?

Yep. Always a good night.

Tait grinned as the man scanned the room again, his gaze once more coming to rest on her.

And you’re going to sing?

Sure am. She lifted the glass again. Once I’ve had this though. Can’t sing in front of a crowd without a couple of drinks first.

Then why do you do it? The scepticism had turned to curiosity.

Because I’m a decent singer, and the prize money is good.

You reckon you’ll win?

No, I don’t. But I won’t have any chance if I don’t try.

A slow smile curved his lips, transforming his face. Tait’s pulse leapt as the thrill of sudden attraction ran through her. This guy was doing things to her that she hadn’t felt in a long time, and she didn’t even know his name. That could be fixed, and should be, if he would be sharing a table with her.

My name’s Tait, she offered.

Andrew, he replied, and smiled again. A thrill shot through her again, heightening her senses and giving her a warm buzz. Or was it the alcohol?

Welcome everyone to the Eagle Club Karaoke competition! the MC called through one of the mics. Registrations for the competition are now closed.

When are you up? Andrew asked over the continuing voice of the MC.

I don’t know, Tait answered. The nerves started to kick in, tightening her stomach into a knot. I need another drink.

Okay, Andrew said, eyeing her two empty glasses doubtfully. Are you sure?

Tait didn’t answer—she had already slid off her chair and turned for the bar. The crowd had died down and she got her refills fast, and headed back to the table.

Another two? Andrew commented. He was frowning again.

Yep.

You really are scared.

I’m a complete chicken when it comes to this.

Then why do you do it?

I’ve already told you.

Is it worth it?

Andrew’s voice sounded loud in the brief hush before the first singer began. The woman sitting in front of them shushed him with a wave of her hand.

Is it worth it? he asked again, his voice low as he leaned close to Tait. She smelled his aftershave, and the intensity of his green eyes at close range did nothing to ease her nerves.

I’ll let you know, she replied and then laid a finger over her lips as she turned to listen to the first singer. Her hand sought and found one of her drinks and she sipped it as the song continued. The alcohol warmed her bones and she felt herself begin to relax and sway to the music.

The song finished to loud applause and Tait downed the last of the liquid in the glass she held.

Next up is Tait! the MC called.

Damn, she whispered and jumped up from her seat.

Good luck, Andrew said.

Thanks.

Tait weaved her way to the stage, avoiding the gaze of those she passed, and took a deep breath as she stepped into the spotlight. She grabbed the mic from the MC and smiled out over the room.

Keep it together.

The music began and she focused on the rhythm and tune, blocking out the crowd as she began to sing. The music took over and she forgot her nerves, the crowd, Andrew—everything except the song and the way it made her feel. She gave into the joy of singing and let it flow.

All too soon the music ended and with that the nerves returned, but she didn’t have to worry. The applause was louder than the first singer’s, bolstering her confidence. Tait waved and smiled, and then handed over the mic and headed back to the table.

Andrew was on his feet when she reached the table again. Tait’s euphoria evaporated into disappointment—he was leaving.

That was brilliant! he said, smiling. You really can sing.

Tait sank into her chair; relieved to see Andrew did the same. Thanks.

His smile made her giddy—or was that the third drink kicking in? The sense of euphoria flooded back. Whatever it was, it felt good.

The next singer started and Andrew moved his chair closer to Tait. His scent wafted over her again, tantalising her. She leaned towards him, reaching for her remaining drink as a pretext for the move.

What the hell are you doing?

The voice of warning sounded through the excitement fizzing in her veins, but she didn’t care. Or maybe she should. She’d ignored that same voice in the past and it hadn’t worked out well. But this guy didn’t seem a complete jerk, and a little flirting never hurt.

So, are you a local? she asked, keeping her voice low to avoid being frowned down by their neighbour.

No.

She risked a glance up at him and surprised a frown.

Aren’t you? he asked.

No. I’m only here for the competition.

The frown relaxed. Right, but you live close?

Now it was her turn to frown. What was he after?

I just want to make sure you’ll get home okay, seeing you’ve had a bit to drink, he added.

She smiled—he was looking out for her. I’m staying overnight. She didn’t add it was on the back seat of her car to save the cost of a hotel room.

Me too.

Just passing through?

On my way to visit family. I set out later than I expected, so I’m stopping here tonight and heading on tomorrow.

Tait nodded. She began on the drink in her hand and forced her attention to the man who’d just finished singing his song. Had Andrew just issued a subtle invitation, or did she think that because she was tempted by the attraction she felt?

Don’t do it!

Tait took another sip of the drink and watched the next contestant get ready. Fabric brushed against her arm. Andrew had laid his forearms on the table and his shirt touched her. The skin rose in goose bumps as desire glowed through her body. It was all she could do not to move closer to him. He didn’t seem aware, but she was on full alert.

Tait’s gaze fell on her glass. The alcohol! No wonder she was losing control. She put the glass down and swallowed hard, forcing her attention to the contestants once again.

It took a lot of strength, but Tait managed to keep her thoughts off the attractive man beside her. Mostly. They didn’t speak much, but sat in an easy companionship through the songs to the end of the competition. As the final song concluded, she reached for the drink that had sat on the table, her nerves tightening again as she prepared for the announcement of the results. She wasn’t desperate to win, but the money spent on fuel and the entry fee would be wasted if she didn’t get anywhere. Self-doubt hit her hard.

What the hell was I thinking? How arrogant to think I could win this!

Andrew’s voice broke in on her thoughts. I think you’re in with a good chance.

Hope flared. You think so? Tait searched his face for the truth and was reassured by the sincerity she saw there.

I do.

She downed the rest of the drink in a long swallow and swayed in her chair. For someone who didn’t drink often, four in one night hadn’t been a good idea.

Look, they’re getting ready to announce the winners, Andrew said in her ear.

Tait tensed at his closeness—she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. It was all she could do to listen to the judge who’d taken hold of the mic.

A big congratulations to all of our competitors tonight. The standard has been excellent, making our role as judges harder than usual.

Just get on with it, Tait whispered. She heard Andrew chuckle beside her.

Okay, we’ll start with third place. And the singer in third is…Pete!

Tait joined in the applause, but her ears strained for the judge’s voice to start again.

In second place is…Tait!

She froze. She’d done it!

Tait, that’s you! Go and get your prize. Andrew gave her a push, breaking her from her trance.

Tait stood up and her head swam. She took an unsteady step and then regained her balance and made her way to the stage. Her hand was shaken, a cheque passed across, and with a wave to the crowd she headed back to her table, and Andrew.

You did it! he exclaimed as she sat down. Congratulations!

Before she realised what he was doing, Andrew planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Her hand flew up to cover the spot, her eyes seeking his. He looked as shocked as she felt.

I’m sorry, he stammered.

Tait hesitated for a moment, stomped on the voice screaming no in her head, and then smiled. Don’t be, she whispered, and, leaning forward, kissed him on the lips.

Andrew came back to consciousness with a jerk. One moment he was sound asleep, the next, wide awake. The dawn lit his hotel room with a cool blue glow and the red numbers on the bedside clock told him it was almost seven.

The memory of the night gone past spun through his mind like a fast playing PowerPoint show. The club, the singing, the alcohol, and the girl—Tait. He lay still, listening for her breathing, but heard nothing. Andrew reached out a tentative hand and allowed a held breath to escape when it found only cold sheets. A glance over his shoulder confirmed she had left—probably a while ago.

Andrew rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. How could he have done that? He’d proposed to the love of his life less than two days ago, and he’d already slept with another woman. Sue’s furious face screamed at him from his imagination, but before the guilt of his actions took over, another face overlaid itself on Sue’s, blocking out her anger. A