Page 68 of The Admiral's Daughter

Laughing, I scoop up my notepad and camera. “There is more gossip, but I need to verify a few more things before I tell you.”

“Oh, juicy. Are you on to something big?”

“Possibly. Now I need to go and interview a pilot and a lieutenant.”

“Go be wonderful. I want a message after your second date, though. No excuses, Cleo.”

“Understood. Speak soon.”

The conversation with Honor is safely stowed at the back of my mind, but not completely forgotten. I’ll process her advice properly once I’ve got the next interviews done.

Flying Officer Alcott is on my radar today, as well as Lieutenant Pierce. I’ve worked through a decent number of interviews already and am pretty happy with the result. It’s nice to have the trust of the crew, which wasn’t expected if I’m being honest. I’d geared myself up for flat, minimally answered questions, but every interview I’ve conducted has been to the contrary. The crew have opened up to me and told me about their personal reasons for joining the Royal Navy. They all have a common thread, though, and that’s camaraderie.

It seems nothing is as important as the friendships they’ve built. Some crew members’ relationships stem from the first day of training and are more like family members to each other now. Other crewmates have only been a part of each other’s lives for a few months, but the bonds are infallible. It’s quite beautiful to see.

I wonder if Lieutenant Pierce has the same outlook. Being a gay man joining the military can’t have been easy. I’m looking forward to talking to him.

First, though, Flying Officer Alcott, who is an extremely striking woman, to my utter joy. She’s not River Dawson good-looking, but damn, she cuts a fine figure in her flight suit.

We make eye contact as I walk across the flight deck towards her jet. A knowing smile curls at her lip as I approach. Clearly my appreciation of her hasn’t gone unnoticed.

There are no active flights taking place today, but the noise is still staggering. There’s no way I can get a decent interview out here.

“You must be Cleo,” she shouts confidently over the din.

This is a woman who owns her power.

“And you must be—”

“Alcott or Tasha. Whichever is fine.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tasha.”

“Can you give me ten minutes to finish, and we’ll head inside to the officers’ lounge?”

“Sure,” I call back, happy to stand back and watch her do her thing. Is there anything sexier than a confident woman? River comes to mind as I ponder the thought. She’s very sexy. My face heats as I remember our kiss. Shaking myself back to reality, I wander around the jet, which is very impressive. I find it fascinating that people flythe things. They’re just so intimidating. Tasha catches me staring and smiles.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

“What type is she?”

“An F-35 fighter, and one of my favourite aircraft to fly.”

“Do you fly other jets?”

“Not for the Navy. I have a small Cessna at home, though. Great for a weekend jaunt around the English countryside. I’d bet you’d love it.”

Do I detect some flirting?

“Oh, and why’s that?”

She shrugs. “Just a hunch. I’d be happy to take you up one day.”

Like with all the crew who have long hair, Tasha has it slicked back into a bun. Unlike River’s dark locks, hers are blonde with highlights. There I go again, thinking of River.

Bypassing her remark, I simply smile and continue my observations. Tasha doesn’t say anything more until she’s finished her checks and is ready to go inside.

“How about we go to the coffee lounge instead of the officers’?” she asks when we step inside.