“Did Tim Holland sneak you a bottle of wine last night?” Troy winked. He knew the minute she couldn’t muster a smile, it was more than antibiotics.
* * *
Julian Dupart wasan enigma to many who worked in the company. His Cajun accent and dry humor disarmed people, but his temper, when pushed, was deadly. Today in the meeting, Gwen witnessed something new. Much like Wes Crockett and Kip Brennan had, Julian engaged in a rhythmic banter with Troy, each completing the other’s sentences.She wished she had friends like that.
After Gwen recovered from her embarrassing moment, Julian called in Verna and Christie, the executive secretaries. “I’m going to do a little personnel reconfiguring,” he said. “Blake, for the time being, until we can fill the slot, you will share Christie with me. Verna, I need you to keep my partner in line. Troy, Verna is your gatekeeper.” Chuckling, he added, “She can make sure you don’t scare half the staff.”
Julian stood. “Gwen, I am officially announcing your promotion to the first deputy position. Congratulations.” The group clapped.
Julian’s expression morphed into that of a stoic operator. “Troy, do you want to bring the group up to speed?”
Gwen focused on the range of emotions that passed across Troy’s face. “A week from Friday, I’m having more surgery. The doctors are expecting six to eight weeks of recovery. I’m hoping to return to light duty within a short time.
“Julian’s new baby person will be here any day now. We are going to keep this place in top shape. I spoke with Mike Johnson. He is sending Kip Brennan in as our pinch hitter. I placed a hybrid meeting on the schedule for in-person and teleconference to meet the San Diego staff. All of you, we have a job to do.”
It didn’t surprise Gwen how strong he sounded, but she could see Troy’s foot tapping underneath the table with anxiety.
“I’d like to circle back to the recent intakes of military sexual assaults. Are these attacks related? To answer that, I have some immediate questions. Where were the victims in the five days before the attacks; where did the attacks take place; who is assigned to the investigation, and do they have a significant other, and if so, whom? Trask for the men and Janice for the women, would you call the clients and get the answers? With Julian’s expected paternity leave, I’m taking the lead.”
Julian pursed his lips and shook his head. “In light of the circumstances, and the stubborn nature of my partner, I’m going to switch around some assignments. Janice, you will remain in charge of our training department and my XO for that division. Caleb, technical analysis, XO there. Blake, my personal XO; Gwen, yet another promotion: XO to Kip Brennan and security liaison for the entire executive staff. Trask, I am assigning you as Troy’s XO.
“Gwen, I don’t usually justify my staffing decisions, but I think you deserve an explanation. This is not because Troy and I don’t believe you’re deserving, nor are you being rejected as Troy’s XO based on ability. Troy’s surgery may require some potential medical aid post-op. In addition to his medical team, Trask’s background as a special operations medic makes him the best choice.”
She nodded with the others and silently thanked Julian. He did the work for her.
* * *
Julian walkedinto Troy’s office and flopped into the chair opposite him. Troy raised his computer glasses and sat them on his head. “Gwen alright?” Julian asked.
“She says it’s her antibiotics,” Troy said. “Medical cleared her.”
“And you think it’s…?”
“I know that reaction. Visceral.” Troy sighed. “I ordered a deep background check from the plane. That is, if legal hasn’t done so already.” He swallowed hard.
“She cares for you,” Julian said.
“I care for her too. But I told you, I can’t be there for her the way she deserves.” Troy closed and opened his eyes.
“I think you’re wrong, but I won’t fight with you.”Julian pressed his lips together.
He scratched his head. “And if I change my mind again, I’ll really need that background check.”
“Change your mind again?”Julian crunched his brows.
“I was thinking of asking her out if the surgery works. But…” He shrugged. “I appreciate what you did with Trask. It’s better for Gwenandme.” He looked off with a dull stare.
“I do get a clue once in a while.” Julian’s lips turned up.
Troy slid two files in front of him. “I read the Richmond and Brooks files and spoke with Trask. He spoke with Richmond’s mom and Trout.I’ll have to re-interview them when we know more. We have no statement from Richmond. Brook’s assault was more severe than I could imagine. My gut says these are practiced acts,” Troy sighed.
“Are we looking at another Tailhook-type situation?” Julian worried.“You remember that from the nineties, right? Naval and marine officers were accused of sexually assaultingdozens of men and women at a convention in Las Vegas.”
Troy nodded. “Richmond spoke to his mom after an overnight mission. It was an overnight mission for Brooks too. Jule, you and I know this is a dirty little secret. I checked. The number of sexual assaults is increasing, especially on men. How many are not being reported?” He thought about Gwen’s reaction during their meeting.
Julian pressed his lips together. “I’m running the case through VICAP to see if any attacks have occurred off-base.”
“Jule, another thought crossed my mind. We’ve seen this brutality before. Ethnic cleansing, bacha bazi…”
