Page 30 of No Regrets

“OK, Ryan. I was just surprised when they called me. I mean you were successful. You brought Kelly home.”

Ryan sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. Sophie swallowed at the way the material of his uniform stretched across his muscular arm.

“Look, you’re about to go in there and give evidence, so you’re going to put the pieces together anyway. Dex was told to stand down. It wasn’t our mission. He disobeyed the order, and we went and got her anyway.”

“But you were successful. What does it matter?”

“Welcome to the Navy, Doctor Summers,” he said, without smiling.

“Please call me Sophie.”

The door opened and Sophie recognized Tyler as he stepped out.

“Doctor Summers?”

“Sophie has been called to speak too.” Ryan filled him in.

“Makes sense,” Tyler said. “They asked me about her condition, physically, mentally. I guess they want to compare that to your findings.” Tyler paused. “And we probably shouldn’t be discussing this.”

“You’re right. We shouldn’t,” Sophie agreed.

“How is Kelly? I heard she’s been discharged,” Ryan asked.

“Yes. Physically everything is good. I’m sure you understand I can’t discuss anything else.”

“Of course. Is she up for visitors? We’d love to go see her.”

“I’m sure she’ll reach out when she’s ready.”

“I hope so. I miss her. We all do.”

Sophie smiled to herself. He really cared about Kelly; it melted her heart a little bit.

“I didn't realize you and Kelly were so close.”

“I met her when I was eighteen. Regardless of what’s happened, she’s family. That’s not going to change.”

Christ, he was going to make her cry. Handsome, hot, and caring. The whole package. Too bad she’d sworn off Navy men. Focus, Sophie, he’s still talking.

“Whatever’s going on between her and Dex, she’ll always be family.”

Sophie looked between the two men. “She has no idea about his hearing, you know that right?”

The expressions on both men’s faces told her they didn’t.

“No one told her? Not during her debrief? Or Dex? I mean I know she wouldn’t see him either, but I thought they might have spoken by phone or something by now.” Ryan frowned.

Sophie shook her head. “No. And as far as I know she hasn’t spoken with Dex at all.” Except for the brief exchange at the house, but they didn’t really count.

“Well, that’s unreal.” Tyler was shaking his head. “We’ve been on a no-contact order, so haven't been able to speak with Dex either.”

“Then I’m glad I told you. Should she reach out, I wouldn’t want her blindsided.”

The door opened and a uniformed man glanced toward them. “Doctor Summers, they’re ready for you.”

Sophie took a few steps forward then stopped, looking back. Ryan was watching her. “Will you let me know the outcome?”

Ryan nodded. “You bet.”