Reel Trouble: Wild Women of Alaska Read Free Page B

don’t stop with the cheesy come-ons, I’m going to put you back in that cell.”
    “Is it me you object to, Deputy Chief, or men in general?”
    “There’s much about you to object to. You really aren’t helping your case by this continued nonsense.”
    “Courting a woman is never nonsense.”
    “We’re not courting. And who says ‘courting’ anymore? Have you checked into the current century?”
    “We could be courting.”
    “To what end? I am not your type.”
    “Why don’t you let me decide that for myself? Besides, what’s wrong with getting to know each other? You’re new in town, so you probably don’t know many people. Developing friendships makes moving to someplace new easier and more rewarding. There isn’t much about the town to keep people here. The people keep each other here. I know everyone, and mostly—discounting Naomi and Anya—I’m generally liked by the populace.”
    “That was a much better argument, but the answer is still no. Tell me, since this is such a small town, how did you not know Naomi and Anya were cousins?”
    “Naomi moved here from Kodiak a few years ago. I just met Anya last time I was in port. We didn’t do a lot of talking.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Have a seat. I’ll be ready to leave in about ten minutes.” She turned and headed toward her office.
    Mina scurried in after her. “You let Treat go?” she whispered, looking behind her to see if anyone heard. As they were the only two currently in this part of the building, there was really no need to whisper.
    “Yes.”
    “Why?”
    “I only arrested him to make a point. My point was made.”
    “Huh. Interesting.” She tapped a finger to her lips.
    Seana wondered how her finger didn’t come away with lipstick transfer. Mina’s lips were always painted to kissable perfection. Seana rubbed her lips together, feeling the absence of her mango-scented chapstick. She didn’t wear much makeup. As she worked with, and managed, a lot of men, prettying herself up could send the wrong impression. So she’d kept her dark hair pulled back and tightly secured. A little mascara to cover up the lightness of her eyebrow and lashes, and chapstick, which was more for protection against the elements than anything else, was all the attention she gave her appearance.
    Mina, on the other hand, was ready for a photo-shoot with trendy clothes, designer frames, and highlighted blond hair that had her standing out in town like a lighthouse in a storm. Blond wasn’t a color seen much in Alaska’s small towns. Not when most of the population was Aleut, Unangan, Eskimo, Thai, Asian, Filipino, and Russian. Fishing was the main industry through the international port of Dutch Harbor. With that came processor workers from a multitude of countries, as Dutch Harbor was the largest fisheries port in the United States. Most were here for only a season, staying in the housing provided by the processors and not venturing into town, as they tended to work around the clock.
    Mina didn’t seem to have any problem bringing attention to herself. For a moment, Seana wished she could feel that free with her appearance.
    “Did Treat ask you out yet?” Mina asked.
    “A few times,” Seana mumbled, turning her attention to the files on her desk. She started gathering up what she’d planned to work on that night.
    “Are you going to say yes? He’s a real treat.” She snickered. “See what I did there?”
    Come on, really? “I won’t be going out with Mr. Devereux.”
    “Ooh, Mr. Devereux.” Mina faked a shiver. “I’ve never heard of him referred to like that before. So formal. Makes him even sexier.”
    Sexy or not, the man was trouble. “Is there a problem, Mina?” The tone of her voice wiped off Mina’s teasing smile.
    “Uh, no. No problem.” Mina backed up a few steps.
    Suddenly Seana felt horrible. Here Mina was being friendly for the first time since Seana had arrived, and she’d gone and shot her down.
    “Is there