“And my fish.” Troy chuckled and handed him the sheet about fish care.
“You are an asshat.” Kip shook his head and checked his watch. “Come on, you can crash the first deputy meeting.”
“Sure.”
Chapter 46
“They are having the meeting in the big conference room. Someone spilled coffee on the rug in the small room. They’re cleaning it.” Kip and Troy walked down the north corridor.
Troy opened the door. “Ah, shit.” Every seat was occupied by the senior executive staff and the first deputies. He shook his head. “Are you guys going to do this if I need another surgery?”
“Sit,” Kip whispered.
The group sat when he did. “We are here today to wish Troy good luck on the next surgical step in his recovery. We also hope it’s a quick recovery. Kip needs to actually do his job.” Mike Johnson, the DCO of Chase Security International gazed at Troy, breaking out in a laugh, unable to stay serious about Kip. “Troy, the first time I met you, it was over a radio, and you called in a danger close airstrike. You had steel in your voice. I said, ‘I’ve gotta get to know that guy.’ You still have that steel.”
The founders of Chase Security and the new up-and-comers took turns reminding Troy of what he meant to them. Kieran spoke second to last. “I never had the opportunity to serve with you in the Navy, but that first security detail here in San Diego showed me your ability to take in a situation, make a plan, and execute, even with fear of job loss. At the time, I thought you were either brave and smart, or stupid and lucky. You are brave and smart. This company won’t thrive without you. So get with the program and get better. This being nice is tiresome.” The group laughed.
Ian stood. “I’ve told you about your bony shoulders. What none of you know was that bullet was lodged in my right atrium. If you, my brother, hadn’t gotten me to that exfil, Kieran would be in charge. You saved my life that day. And perhaps all of yours.” Ian winked at his brother then moved to stand behind Troy. With a hand on each shoulder, he said, “If I could fix this, I’d do it.”
“Thank you. You are my family. I love every one of you. Now, I have no intention of going anywhere. Keep your hands off the stuff in my office.” Troy swallowed hard.
The group stood, and one by one, they hugged him and left the room. Alone with Ian, Troy exhaled and swiped his eyes.
“You alright?” Ian asked.
“Overwhelmed. That was incredible.”
“I can’t imagine. I know you don’t want to hear it, but if I could have changed the circumstances of Iowa, I would have.”
“You’re right, Ian. We can only go forward,” Troy said.
“You set?” Ian asked.
“You have my will and codicils. The deed and title to my home, along with my bank accounts, and my sign-ins for my bills are in the safe in my office. I’ve sent the combination to you.” Troy closed his eyes. “You have my letters. And here’s one more. This one is for Gwen. I wasn’t able to change my will to include her. Make sure she’s taken care of.”
“I promise. Your entire family will be taken care of. What time do you need to report?”
“1930. Tim said they want to do some stuff before midnight, then they want me to sleep.” Troy pressed his lips together.
“Alright, get out of here. Spend some time with your family.” Ian hugged him.
Troy walked down the hall toward the south wing. He pressed his shoulders back and made it to his office. Closing the door, his emotions got the best of him, his hands shaking and feet tingling. A sudden feeling of dread surrounded him. None of his calming techniques were working. He was spiraling out of control.
Sweat dripped from his face as he picked up the phone and typed a number. Tim Holland was at his door in minutes. “Mac is on his way. Put your head between your knees. Slow, deep breaths. That’s it.” He felt Tim’s hand rest between his shoulders.
Mac joined them. “Talk to us.” He covered Troy’s clenched fists with his hands.
“Too much. Too many people,” Troy got out in between his fast breaths.
Tim walked into his bathroom and returned with a damp towel. “Can you make it to the couch?” He wrapped one of Troy’s arms over his shoulder and helped him sit before handing him the towel. Tim and Mac sat with him in silence until Troy managed to bring his body back under control.
Troy closed his eyes and rested the back of his wrists on his knees. In his mind, Gwen was holding him, and he was able to slow his pulse and breathing. Opening his eyes, he looked at Mac and Tim.
“How are you feeling?” Tim asked.
“I can feel my fingers and toes again. And my heart isn’t beating out of my chest anymore.” His posture perked up, and the sweat was dissipating.
“Are you up to talking about what happened?” Mac asked.
