Page 14 of Ruining His Smirk

“I expect better from a former Navy SEAL.”

Keith sputtered. “Ah… Yes, Captain.”

The captain watched me for a long moment. Keith’s arms tightened around me. I got the hint. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

That seemed to have worked because the captain let out a slow breath and rubbed a hand over his face. “Now, perhaps I can finally tell you why Garrett Landry is standing on my helipad.”

I said nothing.

“He isn’t here because of you.”

I snorted.

Captain Birch ignored me. “He’s here because I asked for him.”

That finally got my attention. “What?”

“The whale skeleton.”

I frowned. “What about it?”

“The recovery platform.”

I blinked. “I thought that was impossible. We decided to leave it because there was nothing to be done?”

“So we thought.” The captain poked me in the chest again. “But I didn’t like the look of defeat on your face and wanted to surprise you. If only I’d known you’d thank me by starting a fistfight on my helipad!”

“I’m sorry… how is my skeleton related to that scumbag?”

“Because your scumbag is the answer!”

I blanched.

“I called every station and then Waypoint’s chief, an old pal of mine, told me he had someone with just such a talent. So, Ibrought you outside help.” He nodded over his shoulder where the asshole was being held by a second group of men.

The captain continued, “Did you know Mr. Landry is the only fabrication specialist of his caliber in all of Antarctica? He’s going to design and build the lifting system.”

For a second I genuinely thought the captain was joking.

“…You’re kidding.”

“I am not.”

“You flewhimall the way out here?”

“Yes.”

“He can’t stay.”

“He most certainly can. And it ismyship, not yours, Nate.”

I blinked at him.

Across the deck, I noticed Landry’s split lip was still bleeding. It made me feel better. Reed had wrapped one thick arm across Landry’s chest while another crewman held his other shoulder. Landry wasn’t struggling anymore, but he was glaring at me like he’d happily finish the job if everyone stepped aside.

“Hmph.” I glowered right back.

Only then did I notice a stranger standing a pace behind him. A much younger man but one remarkably similar to Landry. They had to be related.