Lie Low for

Elias hadn’t shown romantic interest in Harriet, nor had he seemed taken by another woman. So, no matter how you sliced it, Harriet concluded that Elias might just be... cold in more ways than one. ‘Got it,’ Callie responded, her tone contemplative. ‘Sounds like he’s got a case of “the chill.”’ If Callie had known the man in Harriet’s narrative was Elias, she’d have fiercely defended him. After all, beneath his suave exterior and commanding presence, Elias was a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one. His presence alone could set hearts racing and cheeks aflame. Harriet turned her attention to Callie. ‘What about you? Got a special someone in your life?’ Caught off guard, Callie’s face lit up with a radiant smile. ‘My husband.’ ‘Married, huh?’ Harriet’s surprise shifted to a chuckle. ‘Must be nice. Your partner’s got to be quite the lucky one. With your sweet and gentle demeanour, anyone would fall for you. As for me...’ She shrugged. ‘Well, even my uncle jests that if my, um, friend won’t take me, I might end up solo for life.’ ‘No way!’ Callie countered with sincerity, studying her new friend. ‘You’re a real stunner. I think folks in camp see your warrior side more often, but spend time with you, and they’ll soon discover your softer side. Take me, for example. I’ve only known you for five minutes but am already starting to like you a lot.’ It was a first for someone to call her a stunner. Harriet recalled the disappointing trip to The Sands Bunker two days ago. Everything had been going so well—drinks were flowing, the banter light-hearted, the men polite but engaged. Until someone recognised her as Lieutenant Colonel Daniels from the air force. Then the cadets snapped to attention, the drinks stopped flowing, and the flirtatious smiles vanished. Harriet left before she completely ruined the party. She shook her head at the memory. ‘You really think I’m pretty?’ ‘Not just pretty. A real stunner,’ Callie said earnestly. ‘Anyone with eyes would think that.’ She paused, giving Harriet another once-over. ‘People are used to seeing you in your military garb, on the battlefield, as a fierce warrior. But don’t forget, underneath it all, you’re still a woman. Strong, sure, but undeniably feminine. When you let your hair down and step out of that uniform, everyone will see the charm you possess.’ A wave of joy washed over Harriet. ‘But I packed light for this trip. My suitcase is all uniforms or PT t-shirts.’ She grabbed Callie’s hand. ‘Mind giving me some fashion advice? Maybe we could go shopping together. Shoot, we can’t leave campus till the weekend. And I might need a dress before that.’ Callie pondered for a moment before recalling a dress she had that was too big for her. She’d bought it on a whim during her trip to Wingston and had yet to wear it. ‘I’ve got something you can borrow,’ she offered. ‘Really? Wow, thanks! You are great!’ Harriet hesitated. ‘There’s one more thing...’ ‘What is it? Shoes? But I don’t think we wear the same size. I could ask my friend Wendy—’ ‘No, not that.’ Harriet dropped her voice to a whisper. ‘I want your medical advice about… what kind of food I should whip up for the friend I mentioned earlier. You know, to warm him up a bit.’ Did she mean to fan the flames of his desire? ‘Maybe some hearty dishes,’ Callie offered. ‘Pork, herbs, beef, or even leek could do the trick.’ ‘Got it.’ Harriet mentally jotted down the suggestions. ‘I’ll make sure he gets plenty of those.’ In the span of a single conversation, Callie and Harriet had forged a connection that felt like an old friendship, despite their brief acquaintance. Time slipped away, and Harriet eventually headed back to her classes, while Callie made her way back to the health centre. As she returned to the break room, Wendy was there, holding out a whole-grain muffin. ‘Got you a treat.’ Grateful, Callie accepted the offering. ‘Thanks, Wendy.’ ‘What are friends for?’ Wendy winked at her. ‘Gotta go. There’s a cute sergeant with a sprained ankle waiting for me downstairs.’ Callie’s lips curled into a smile as she sat down to enjoy her snack. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She hit Answer. ‘It’s me,’ Elias said. A soft chuckle escaped her. ‘I know. There’s this magical thing called caller ID.’ ‘And what does your caller ID say?’ ‘Elias Westwood, Awesome Major General.’ ‘Don’t you think it’s time you changed that?’ ‘To what?’ ‘To Husband, Honey, Darling, whichever term you prefer.’ Callie glanced around. She was alone in the break room. Still, she lowered her voice as she whispered into her phone, ‘Husband.’ ‘Good choice,’ Elias praised, his voice warmer. ‘Did you have that tea Wendy brought you?’ ‘Yep, I did. The cinnamon scent was pretty intense.’ ‘Good. Come over to my quarters for dinner later. I’ll cook.’ ‘Okay,’ Callie responded, a trace of fondness lacing her words. ‘Back to work for you now.’ Reluctantly, she hung up, her gaze dropping to the ring around her neck. She was a doctor, her hands often in surgery. Wearing the ring on her finger wasn’t always practical. So, she’d fashioned a silver chain to hold the diamond ring. It now hung as a pendant, always close to her heart. Angelia entered the break room, her gaze caught by the glint around Callie’s neck. Emotions danced briefly in her eyes before fading away. She took a seat across from Callie, offering a slight nod in her direction. It marked Callie’s first encounter with Angelia since the honeymoon. Angelia’s figure remained tall and graceful, though a weight loss was apparent. Her once plump face now held a refined sharpness, her cheekbones sharper. A hint of weariness clung to her, though Callie struggled to discern its origin. Sensing Callie’s scrutiny, Angelia bit her lower lip. But she said nothing. What could she say? Simon’s arrest and her cousin Abby’s collapse were a daily reminder of her defeat. Meanwhile, Callie and Elias’s relationship had progressed by leaps and bounds, leaving her in a powerless limbo. As much as Angelia yearned to destroy Callie, she had to lie low for now and figure out a better way to strike.