Mac looked at him. “Tell me what you would be doing if Gwen wasn’t in the picture?”
Troy closed his eyes. “I think I'd be suicidal. I’d need sedation.”
Mack placed a hand on Troy's shoulder. “I’ll give you high marks for honesty, again. You have a good medical team to help you get through this. I would like to get you home. We will talk some more about things after that.”
Chapter 25
The walk to Julian’s office made Troy feel like he was jumping hurdles blindly. Expecting to see pity, anger, and disapproval, he instead saw caring and worry. He swallowed hard and opened his arms, palms up. “I’m sorry, my friends. I was afraid if you saw all that happened, you’d treat me differently.”
He sat heavily in one of the conference table chairs.“Seeing your faces, I should’ve relied on what I’ve known since our Navy days. We are family. As of now, I need to hold up my piece of our collective pie. Julian, please ask Holly to forgive me. Go—spend time with your beautiful family. Martin, I would appreciate your help in drafting a statement I can read as an inhouse press release and to send companywide. Kip, I’d like you to grab your things from Jule’s and stay by me. I’d like to work from home until Monday. Gwendolen won’t rest unless I stay…oh God, Gwendolen.”He pressed to his feet and ran as fast as his legs would allow him.
* * *
The patient roomwas dimly lit when Troy slid open the door. The general, Trask, Janice and Tim surrounded the sleeping Gwen. His beauty looked peaceful.
Troy gripped the bottom of the bed and faced the three men and woman. “General North, I’m sorry. I’m sure I’m not the man you want as a suitor for Gwendolen.Trask, I took advantage of your trust. I apologize. Janice, forgive me for shutting you out. And, Tim, if you’re fed up with me, you won’t be penalized for dumping me as an assignment.”
“Gentlemen, lady, I’d like to respond first,” Glenn North said. “Troy, I told you I didn’t want Gwendolen to take this assignment. I think San Diego is a difficult place for her to be. As I was sitting with you, I told you her story, a story a father should never have to tell. You listened stoically with a protectiveness in your eyes. Add the note you left, the words you said under the effects of sedation, and it was clear you care for my daughter.
“This morning, your intuition about being sandbagged showed your command intuition and experience. All this while you were dealing with the aftereffects of severe injuries. And then a tabloid report that only had the intention of hurting you. Everyone’s reaction to that transmitted report showed me how much your staff reveres and worries about you. And yet, you stand here apologizing to us. No apology necessary.”
“Thank you, sir.” Troy’s shoulders lowered to their normal position.
“Troy, I will never stop loving you. You were the first to be comfortable with women on a team.” Janice hugged him tightly. “I’ll be outside to give you some space.”
“Boss, we’re good. I’ll reconfigure the detail to get you and Gwen home.” Trask patted Troy’s shoulder and exited.
Tim shook his head. “I’ll work on the discharge plan.”
“She loves you.” The general kissed Gwen’s forehead and stepped from the room.
Troy sat beside her and took her hand in his. “Oh, my beauty. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“You’re here.” Gwen’s eyes fluttered open, immediately dampening at the sight of him.
“No tears. I’m here to take you home. And we will talk.” His lips brushed over each eye, along the contours of her cheekbones and across the angle of her jaw. Nibbling her lips, he drew in her lower lip between his teeth.I love you too.He couldn’t say the words aloud—yet.
* * *
Trask ledthe way from the elevator inside the garage to Troy’s Tahoe, then slipped into the driver’s seat, while Janice slid into the passenger seat. The two former Bravo Team members were both on high alert. Troy climbed into the second seat, while Tim lifted Gwen into the middle, and her dad came in on the other side.
Trask tapped his comm. “This is Cat's Meow, pulling out of Litter Box 1, heading to Litter Box 2. All units please confirm.” He sat for a moment to listen.
Through the car Bluetooth, they heard, “Dutch Boy and Oscar Team leader, ready. 3-Romeo 1, ready. 3-Romeo 2, ready. 3-Romeo 3, ready. 3-Romeo 4, ready. 3-Romeo Team leader and XO leading the way.”
With the check-in of his protective detail, Troy's shoulders rose. “Litter Box? Really? I guess I’m stuck with Cat’s Meow,” he chuckled and sighed. “Did I hear correctly? We've got five cars and medical?”
“Yes, sir. Plus, Quebec Team is running an advance party. Papa Team is bringing up the rear. This is per Mr. Ian Chase’s order. Medical is for Ms. North.” Trask pulled out of the garage.
“Ian is aware of the situation?” Troy wrapped an arm around Gwen.
“Yes, sir. Hornet is airborne, en route to our location. The four chiefs of staff and the senior executive board factored in on the decision. No one wants anything to happen to you or Ms. North, sir.” Trask looked up at the rearview mirror and caught Troy's eye.
“Mr. Bremen, you have a preference for food, sir?” Janice asked.
“That's enough. We worked side by side for years, before both of you were promoted to first deputy executives. Yesterday, you called me Troy. You will stop being afraid to speak with me and call me Troy from this day forward.
“Now, on the way to the house, on Pacific Coast Highway, is a food truck that makes the best grilled chicken sandwiches and homemade juices. We will stop there. You will use my cash and buy food for all. We will then go ahead to the house.” He tipped forward and removed his wallet before passing it to Janice.
