“Hallelujah,” Jake said, scooting his chair back. “That’s our cue to skirt out of here.”
“Not a moment too soon,” Camden added. He was notorious for hating meetings, and by the look of sheer boredom on his face, this one damn near killed him.
“Assholes, all of you,” Lachlan said. “Merry fucking Boxing Day or whatever. See you Monday.”
As each man passed, they gave Kyle a pat on the back and congratulated him.
“You done good, Pup,” Camden said. He stopped to shake Kyle’s hand.
Kyle wasn’t sure about that, but he said, “You’ve been a great instructor, sir.”
“Not if I haven’t broken you of calling me sir.” Camden grinned. “Whatever decision you make, I wish you the best. I have faith in you. We all do.” Camden patted him on the shoulder, then closed the door behind him.
Alone with Lachlan and Gina, Kyle sat back down. Gina pulled up a seat.
“What is it, Kyle?” Lachlan started. “We’re giving you some time to think it over, but not much. What are your initial thoughts?”
Kyle stared at the conference table. “With all due respect, I don’t see how you can think I’m the right man for this…project. After last night, I feel like a failure.”
“Let me address this, Lach,” Gina said. “Kyle, I wasthere. All I saw was a SEAL who ran straight into life-threatening danger without hesitation. I watched a brave man save lives. You are not a failure. You are just the man we need, now more than ever. A man who puts the greater good and the innocent first. One who will lay down his life to protect others.”
“I failed Arden. I swore I’d protect her, and she ended up injured. She could have been killed.”
“But she wasn’t, Kyle, and she has you to thank for it. I’m sorry you had to leave her like you did. As soon as this meeting is adjourned, you can call her and explain…to a point.” Gina smiled wryly. “Welcome to my world, Pup.”
“Son, you’re only a failure if you quit,” Lachlan added. “And you’re no quitter, so that means you’re not a failure, either. We have every confidence in the world that you can do this.”
“Thanks, sir. I appreciate that.”
“Truth. That’s all.”
Deep breaths. In, hold, and out.
“Sir? I don’t need time to think about it. My answer’s yes.”
Lachlan and Gina exchanged looks. Relieved ones.
“Excellent choice,” Lachlan said, standing up. “Now, I believe that there’s enough money in the expense account to get you back on an airplane to Colorado, but I hope you didn’t get used to that fancy-ass plane Gina and you took. Watchdog ain’t made of money and you’re riding coach soon as DIA plows the runways and opens back up.”
Kyle grinned. “Don’t think I could ever get used to that fancy shit. Coach’ll do me just fine.” He looked at Gina, who was stifling a smile. “No offense.”
“None taken, Kyle. My friends have deep pockets. But there’s always a price.”
Lachlan harumphed. “I’m just thankful they’re footing the lion’s share of this project.”
“And they’re thankful for your help. Now, I for one need a nap.” Gina stretched and called to Fleur. “And to catch up with my girl. Let’s go home, sweet thing.”
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Gina,” Kyle said.
“You too, Pup.”
Kyle went straight to his office and shut the door. He needed sleep too—if he could unwind enough to get any—but first, he had a phone call to make concerning Camo.
He hit the button for Lackland Airforce Base. After he was transferred, he was surprised the guy picked up. He’d expected to leave a voicemail giving up any and all claims to Camo.
“Hey, this is Kyle McGuire. I—”
The adoption coordinator said, “Oh, yeah, Kyle. So you got the email?”
