“Mine?”
“Yeah, between you and Forest really.”
Bash unfolded his muscular frame from the couch and joined everyone at the table. He sat right beside T, making Ryker’s gut churn. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense.”
“We’ve pulled a few strings and made it so that Sergeant Lyons can stay with you during your tour with us.” He turned to Ryker. “You’re being placed on temporary duty with the USO.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Ryker said, “but how is that going to work? The ops tempo of my team—”
“Is being dealt with,” Vane said. “We have someone inbound to step in for a few weeks. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
Ryker glanced at T, whose brows drew together. He echoed her thoughts. All special ops surgical teams practiced identical protocols. Theoretically, any of them were replaceable. He couldn’t replace T, and she couldn’t replace him, but another CRNA could easily slip into her role, just as another respiratory technician could fill his.
It wasn’t ideal, but things happened. Team members got injured and were removed to take time out to recover. Medical issues needed to be dealt with. Hell, he’d stood in for another team when their respiratory technician had to have an emergency appendectomy. In real life, shit happened, but to upset the cohesiveness of a team for a public relations dog-and-pony show? He was embarrassed to be a part of that. It looked like T had similar thoughts, if he read her expression right.
“You want me to tour with Angel Fire?” He still couldn’t believe that was what Vane wanted.
“Hot damn,” Bent said with a hoot. “Do you realize what this can do for you?”
It could do a lot. Back in the day, he would’ve hopped on the opportunity. Playing onstage in front of a real audience had been his number one bucket list item, but life had gotten in the way, and his priorities had changed. That set had been beyond amazing, but he loved his job. He might not reach hundreds or thousands with his music, but his medical skills were invaluable to the individuals who passed through his hands. Giving that up would steal a little bit of his soul.
With all that rationalized in his head, he couldn’t help but want to do exactly as Vane had suggested. For as long as he could, he wanted to rock it onstage and experience, for just a moment, what that dream might be like.
“Of course, sir,” he said, addressing his remarks to the colonel, “I’ll do whatever is required. I just wanted to voice my concerns.”
T’s spine stiffened. “You already have someone inbound?” Her gaze cut to Forest. “How did that happen?”
Forest shook his head. “There’s always someone who needs to trade a favor for a favor. Don’t worry, T; there’s a CRNA on the way, too.”
“What?” Her eyes about popped out of her head. “Why are you replacing me? I have nothing to do with the band.”
“That’s true,” Vane said, “but we’re doing a special PR piece on you.”
“What could you possibly need with me?”
“We have a reporter interested in doing a piece on women in combat.”
Technically, the medical corps were not combat troops. They were specifically protected by the Geneva Convention as noncombatants. However, the special ops surgical teams blurred some of those lines. They operated in combat zones. Carried weapons but were limited to the protection of themselves and their patients. There were regulations against them actively fighting. He understood T’s confusion but was thrilled she would be accompanying him. He would’ve dug in his heels if Vane had separated them. Until she had her head screwed on straight, he wasn’t leaving her side. And, speaking of sides, he placed himself between her and Bash, effectively cutting the drummer out of her line of sight.
“Sir,” she said, “haven’t we done enough of those pieces?”
Ryker sensed her distress. She hated always being measured against the men.
“The public is fascinated by our female airmen, and your job is unique. Forest has arranged for a reporter to follow you around and get a true in-depth exclusive. Since we can’t have them accompany you on a mission, this is the next best thing.”
“And what does Collins think of this?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Ryker turned to Vane. That was a really good question. Collins was their superior officer. Taking out two of his team would stress the integrity of their missions.
“He’s been briefed,” Vane said. “He had his selection of replacements and picked them himself.”
Vane garnered a bit of respect with that move. It was brilliant actually. Everyone would be happy—everyone, except T, who had fire simmering in her gaze. Fortunately, she was smart enough to keep a lid on her temper. No doubt, he would get an earful later. He had every intention of listening to her spew her discontent because, if she was with him, then she wasn’t sleeping in another man’s bed. He would fight for that state with every breath in his body.
“Looks like it’s settled,” he said.
“Pretty much,” Vane replied. “We’ve readjusted the tour schedule to add in visits to our smaller units. Angel Fire will still play the larger venues on the docket, but we’ll set up smaller sessions.”
Ash had a big grin on his face. “Kind of like an Angel Fire Unplugged?” He glanced at the other guys. “What do you think? If we go to smaller units, we can unplug.”
