Chapter 1
Sunday, May 27th
“Hi, Daddy.” The cellphone sat tucked beneath Gwendolen North’s chin. “I’m putting you on speaker if that’s okay?”
“Hey, sweetie, of course. You sound good,” Army Lieutenant General Glenn North said.
“I am. I’m finishing up an assignment in Virginia and will be heading to San Diego on a flight this afternoon.” Gwen packed as she spoke.
Her father slowly pulled in and released a deep breath. “San Diego? Gwen, that worries me.”
“Hey, it means we’ll be in the same state. I can catch a flight and come for a visit.” She put a pair of shoes in a bag and placed it in the bottom of her suitcase.
“You know it’s not because I don’t want you to visit. It’s been a while,” the general said.
“I know. I’m escorting Mr. Bremen to his new post. He’s San Diego’s second in command. He asked for me specifically. Dad, I’m going as his assistant.” She was going as a mixed bag: security, therapy companion, as well as an assistant. “I can’t abandon him. He’s facing another major surgery.”
“You always do the honorable thing. I’m proud of you.” He cleared his throat. “Gwen, please be careful. You left San Diego for a reason. If you end up leaving your team position to work for Mr. Bremen, or anyone in San Diego, you need to think this through carefully. You don’t need the stress.”
“I know, Daddy.” She played with the locket she wore. Her dad gave it to her the day she left the Navy.
“I know you do, sweetie. You always do. I love you,” he sighed.
“Love you too.” Gwen ended the call. She stood in front of the window on the second floor of Chase Center for Training’s main building, watching the blissful sight of the horses in the pasture.
“Witch?” Remy Mirouette, Tango Team’s leader, stood in the doorway. “All set?”
“Almost.” She smiled.
“I’m going to miss you,” Remy said.
“I’m sure it’s a short gig,” she insisted.
“I don’t think so. I was talking to the PA, Tim Holland. The rumor mill says you’re number one on a short list for a first deputy position. He’s flying out with you—being pulled from here to head Bremen’s medical team. Apparently, this surgery is bigger than anyone is saying. Rumors are bouncing around the military community that he’s more disabled than he appears.”
“You saw him here. You witnessed his mission planning skills. I am going as security and a physical therapy companion. He keeps his struggles close to the vest, but from what I see, he’s growing stronger every day.” Gwen zipped her bag.
Remy pinched the bridge of his nose. “Before you go, we have one more issue to handle. I don’t want to have to explain this to your replacement. It’s about Billings. I called Denver and arranged to transfer him out to Lima Team. I know he’s no fan of yours, and I can’t keep him in good faith. I sat in with one of the therapists to do a final check-in with the group before we leave. At the therapist’s recommendation, medical wants all of us to keep checking in. Losing two and the injuries to more hit all of us hard. That includes you.”
“I hear you. I promise.” Gwen sighed.
“Anyway, the therapist brought the squad together for the final debrief. Billing goes on about how he’s happy not to have you as an XO anymore and that Bremen got more than a severe beating when he was undercover.” Remy raised a brow and cocked his head.
Anger exploded from within. “I hope you told him to piss off. Whatever happened to Mr. Bremen is no one’s business.” Gwen ground her teeth.
“I did. I spoke to Denver about the transfer. I wrote him up for rumor-mongering and disrespect to a superior. I need you to co-sign the order, but I’m worried he was only the first one I heard. There’s a lot of whispering about Bremen’s injuries. You may need to protect him from an emotional assault too.” Remy stared at her. “You all right with San Diego? I care for you, Gwen;I want you safe.”
“I have the intention of living a quiet life.” She smoothed down her blouse, subtlety adjusting the placement of her bra. “And I know how much you care.” Her eyes got watery. “Some special operator I am—I’m crying.”
Remy pulled her into his arms. “You’re damn good at your job.” He pushed her back and lifted his chin. “You watch yourself.”
“I will,” she sniffed.
“Good, we are on the escort team.” Remy gave her a thumbs up.
Gwen grabbed a bag. Remy took the other.
* * *
