“You’ve read the mission statement.”
“I have,” she agreed, opening her notebook again. “But I want to hear it in your words.”
He thought about that for a minute before answering, “Serving this country is an honor and a privilege, but it does change the way you see things. Military life is much different than civilian life. It’s highly structured with a clearly defined chain of command. You’re no longer an individual but part of a team. Returning to civilian life is an adjustment and not always an easy one. Sanctuary helps with the transition by providing a bridge between military and civilian life. Guests can acclimate back into civilian society at their own pace, surrounded and supported by those who’ve been where they are.”
Scribble, scribble. “What about those who suffer from PTSD?” she asked.
“PTSD covers a wide spectrum; however, we’re not equipped or qualified to handle severe cases. Applicants go through a rigorous screening process. Those who require care and services beyond what we provide are referred elsewhere.”
“So, basically, you’re telling me that Sanctuary does not pose a danger to the local community?”
Cage wondered if she’d already talked to some of the townspeople. “Exactly. Sanctuary is exactly what it sounds like—a refuge. Nothing more, nothing less.”
She was quiet for a few minutes, staring out at the water, and then she laughed softly. “You’re not at all what I pictured.”
“Oh? What did you picture?”
“A group of wizened, older guys, like the kind who hang around the VFW and hand out poppies on Veterans Day.”
“That’s the thing about stereotypes and preconceived notions. They’re rarely accurate.” He paused and then admitted, “When I heard a reporter was coming to do an interview, I had an image of Ed Asner in my head. Or Candice Bergan.”
She grinned. “Ed Asner? Just how old are you?”
He shrugged. “What can I say? I grew up on classic TV reruns.”
“Me, too. Though I’m more of a Perry Mason fan myself.”
“You have excellent taste.”
She asked a few more questions, scratched into her notebook, and then put it away. He took that to mean she was ready to move on, and he felt a pang of disappointment. The afternoon had passed too quickly.
They headed back to the main building, where the bright red convertible was parked.
“You’ve upgraded since the last time I saw you,” he commented, opening the driver’s door for her.
“That I have. Much easier to avoid potholes now.” She grinned. “Thank you, Nick. I’m impressed with everything you’re doing here. You’re a wonderful tour guide.”
“Thanks. And you’re welcome.”
“I’d love to talk to some of the guests, too, and get their perspective. It can be completely anonymous.”
“I can talk to Matt, see what he says.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
The engine came to life with a low, rumbling purr. After a moment’s hesitation, she turned to him and asked, “Would you be interested in meeting me for coffee or dinner or something?”
He blinked slowly, silently pondering her motives. He might be on the shy side when it came to women, but he wasn’t stupid. “I suppose that depends on the why of it. Are you looking for more information for your article?”
“If I say yes, will you say no?”
Would he? He’d enjoyed the afternoon and her company. The questions she’d asked were intelligent and not overly intrusive, but that might not be the case in another setting, especially after having established a baseline rapport. Still, he was willing to risk it, if for no other reason than he wanted to spend more time with her.
“Not necessarily.”
She grinned, and once again, he felt it in his chest. “Good, because I’d like to know more.”
More about him specifically? Or more about Sanctuary?
She reached into her bag and pulled out a business card. “This is my number. Think about it, okay?”
He accepted the card. “I will.”
Chapter Eleven
Bree
Bree felt good about how the afternoon had gone. Not only had she gotten a tour around Sanctuary, but she’d also had the full, personalized attention of Nick as well. He was a study in contrasts, that one. Incredibly handsome and physically fit yet a self-professed geek. Warm and friendly with an easy, confident smile yet with a borderline shyness she found particularly appealing. Most unexpected was how at ease she’d felt around him, as if they’d known each other for longer than a few hours.
As she drove down the winding mountain road back toward town, she felt only a slight pang of guilt for baiting him as she had.
Of course, the nice guy routine could all be an act. As much as the men of Sanctuary might try to come across as the guys next door, they were former military who, based on the men she’d seen both at the restaurant and the facility, were staying fit and battle-ready. It wasn’t a stretch to imagine they kept up other skills, too.
That was what had prompted her to ask the pointed questions she had about the mental health of those they served. Having a cell of lethally trained warriors nearby could be either unnerving or comforting, depending on perspective.
Personally, she found it exciting.
The curtains moved when Bree pulled into the driveway, suggesting Martha had been watching for her return. The critical way she eyed Bree when she entered the B & B was even more telling. Whether it was out of concern or a desire to get the scoop, she wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was a bit of both.
“Did everything go all right?” Martha asked anxiously.
“Yes, it went well,” Bree told her honestly. “They were very polite and accommodating.”
Martha uttered a soft, “Hmmph.”
Bree had to hide her smile.
“Do you have time for some questions now?” Bree asked.
“I’m expected at the fire hall.”
“Oh?”
“The Ladies Auxiliary gathers several times a week to make meals for our community outreach program—meals for shut-ins, the elderly, that sort of thing,” Martha explained, her eyes holding a calculating gleam that belied the innocence of her tone. “Why don’t you come with me? I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”
Bree pictured a room full of
