A Weldon Family Christmas: A Southern Steam Novella (Weldon Brothers) Read Online Free PDF

into laughter.  “He is rather broad across the shoulders and trim in the hip.  What has you so ticked off?”
    “Him.”
    “But he’d just sat down, though he had been hovering over you for a bit first.”
    “He said five words to me and now I can’t see straight.”
    “What did he say?  I’ve never seen you like this.”
    “I told her she needed to go home,” John said from behind them both, causing her to jump and Maggie to squeal.  They’d been so involved they hadn’t heard him at all.  Then again, he likely moved like a shadow in the night when he wanted to.
    “You do, too.” John told Maggie.  “It’s not safe here.”
    Maggie shook her head, seemingly calm in the face of John Weldon’s dictatorial manner.  “I understand your concern, Lieutenant Weldon, but nothing has happened in Saigon in years.  There’s a reason the base and the hospital are here.”
    “You’re not seeing all the facts here, Miss…?”
    “Shay,” Maggie said holding out her hand.
    “Maggie Shay of Rhode Island meet Lieutenant John Weldon of Georgia,” Emma muttered, wondering how her piss-off was being turned into a social occasion.  People on the street were starting to look their way.
    “I think we need to keep walking,” Emma said.
    Smooth as butter, John stepped between them and ushered them forward.  “I’ll escort you back and say my peace.” 
     “Well, peace away, Lieutenant Weldon.  We’re just two blocks from our destination.  What facts are we missing?”
    “The Paris Peace talks failed at the beginning of this month.  Two years ago there were over five hundred thousand men here in Nam.  Now were at about a hundred and fifty thousand with more troops being pulled every day, yet we’re still out there shooting at the NVG hornet’s nest.  If you don’t think something bad can happen in Saigon then you don’t know who we’re fighting.  The situation is ripe for a mortal blow against the US.  Lastly, you aren’t just staying here in Saigon.  You’re flying to Long Bình Christmas Day.  And I’m sure they have you visiting more troops other places before the New Year.  Am I right?”
    Emma pressed her lips to keep silent and could have kicked Maggie for answering.  “Yes, we’re scheduled to visit Cu Chi and Da Nang.”
    “All of which is none of your business, Lieutenant Weldon.  I appreciate your concern but quite frankly you have no right to march into my life and start dictating what I can and cannot do.”  Emma sucked in a deep breath, feeling much better now that she’d gotten that off her chest.
    They reached the entryway to the Red Cross compound.
    “I’ve no right?” John asked softly.
    Emma frowned at him and wanted to kick Maggie again.  Her friend was grinning from ear to ear.
    John continued.  “You gave me that right last night, Miss Rollins.  I can no more walk away without warning you of the danger I see coming than you could resist touching me.”
    The door opened behind Emma as John spoke and the Dragon Lady gasped with outrage. “ Touched you?   Miss Rollins, your improprieties have cast shame upon us all.  You’re fired!  I expect to see you in my office in thirty minutes with your belongings.  I will be seeking what other disciplinary actions are necessary to assure no other woman under my supervision engages in sordid behavior.”
    Emma stood stunned.
    “You can’t do that!” Maggie shouted.  “She did nothing wrong and you’re besmirching her good name.”
    “And you’re lying to protect her.  You’re fired, too.  You both have thirty minutes.”  The Dragon Lady turned on her heal and marched back inside and slammed the door.
    “I’ll go explain,” Maggie cried, running after the Dragon Lady.
    “What in the hell was that?” John asked. 
    Emma planted her finger in the middle of John’s hard chest and pushed.  “That’s you messing up my life.  What do you think someone is going to make of what you said?