Page 91 of Rafe’s Future

“Shadow will continue to handle the technical side and work overwatch, as usual. And Digger will continue leading you in the field.”

“So nothing’s really changing much, other than you won’t be in the office on the regular?” Coulter looked to him for confirmation.

Rafe nodded. “Pretty much. Shadow and Digger will also have equal say in which jobs you take on as a team.”

“What if they can’t agree?” Apollo spoke next.

“Then they’ll bring me in to break the tie. But I don’t foresee that being a regular occurrence.” He turned to Slade. “I trust my daughter and you to know what’s best for the company, yourselves, and your men."

The stoic man dipped his chin in a solemn, silent vow.

“You sure about this, Boss?” Bones seemed to be the one taking the news the hardest.

Rafe’s gaze met the medic’s stare once again. “I’m sure, Beckett.” He smiled, repeating, “It’s time.”

The other man nodded with a look of genuine understanding, but there was no mistaking the disappointment also filling his eyes.

Apollo glanced down for a moment before bringing his attention back to the front of the room. “We’re happy for you, Boss.” He looked at the others, who immediately joined in his support.

“Absolutely,” Falcon added. “You’ve more than earned it.”

Rafe felt something tighten in his chest. He hadn’t expected this to be so difficult. He’d somehow convinced himself walking away from the company he’d built from the ground-up would be easy.

It wasn’t.

These men had stood beside him, more than once, when things had gone to hell. They’d followed his orders, willingly going head-first into places most sane people would never enter.

He’d seen them laugh. Cry. Bleed and nearly die. They weren’t his employees. They were his friends.

My family.

“Don’t worry.” Rafe grinned. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. You know where I live, and my door is always open to you all. And I’m only a phone call away.” He slid his hands into his front pockets, pulling in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. “I’m not great at relaying my feelings⁠—”

“You don’t say?” Bones smirked.

He chuckled. “Surprising, I know. But seriously, I want you to know how much each of you means to me. You’re the best I’ve ever worked with, and it’s been my honor to work with such a talented team.”

The words were simple, but the look that passed between him and his men was anything but.

Reflected back from their eyes was respect. Appreciation. Years of trust packed into the earnest moment.

He looked around the table and felt the weight of his decision settling over him. And still, there was no regret or second-guessing.

His cell phone rang, and he glanced down to see Alice’s number on the screen. A faint smile touched his mouth.

“It’s Shadow.”

“It’s okay, Boss.” Bones motioned toward the phone on the table. “Go ahead. We can wait.”

With a nod, Rafe picked up the device and answered the call.

“Hey, honey. We’re just about finished here.”

“Dad!”

The panic in her voice erased the smile on his lips instantly.

Rafe’s spine straightened. “Alice?”