Page 48 of Whiskey

Camp Green was impressive. I didn’t expect anything less once I heard Cole oversaw the place. The Logan name had a reputation for a reason. They thought of everything.

Cole and Keith gave us a tour, and like Keith warned, every friggin’ pair of eyes was on Ivy. Why couldn’t she wear fatigues and a black shirt like the rest of us?

“These six, here.” Cole handed me a clipboard with printed profiles. “They’re in there running drills. I’ve had them on my radar since they arrived.” I scanned the first few and was pleased to see they had excellent track records. “Dr. Knight, I’d like you and Beckett to spend a few minutes with each of them. I want a first impression. What’s your feel?”

“Of course.” Ivy looked over my shoulder at the first picture and scanned the room to find him. Cole called the men together and explained that they were to meet us in a room down the hall. He and Ivy followed the guys as they fell out. Keith put a hand on my shoulder.

“When you’re done, I’d like you to meet someone who might be of use to you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. I like to think of her as a wizard.”

“Roger.” I watched him leave and noticed Ivy had stopped to speak to someone. I came up behind them and caught part of the conversation.

“Yes, there’s a place in town, and if you’d like, I could show you,” he explained. I noticed his rank on his shirt. He was young and probably just got promoted, by the way he was nervously watching the door for either Cole or Keith to come back. She must have sensed me because she turned.

“Are we ready?”

“Yes.” I stared at the kid.

“Thanks for letting me know.” She waved politely as I joined her. “Lead the way.”

The interviews went well. Each soldier was respectful of Ivy and looked her in the eye whenever she addressed one of them. They answered the questions without hesitation, and it left me with a good gut feeling. Though it would take time to think of them as my team, I was certainly open to the idea. Ivy interested me the most, though. She was professional and spoke with ease, but her voice commanded honest answers, she didn’t allow them to bullshit her. For someone so small, she could be quite mighty, and the guys surprised me by their immediate reaction to her.

“So, tell me, Gear.” Ivy was on the last candidate. She was through the standard questions, but for some reason she didn’t let this one off as easy. “From what you’ve been told about this position, how do you feel about being away for lengths of time?”

“Ahh,” he stumbled for the first time, “fine.”

I watched her face; I knew Ivy hated that answer.

“You’re the youngest, yes?” He nodded. “Two older sisters, and you’re the baby.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m not ashamed to say I’m a momma’s boy.”

“Me too.” She smiled back. Hmm, interesting detail. “I bet your mama makes a mean southern dish.”

“The best in three counties.”

“Family dinners must be a real treat. Iced tea, fried chicken, apple dumplings.”

“Don’t forget peach cobbler,” he added with a smile.

“I bet you’re excited for Christmas this year. I hear the peach crops were divine.”

“Best in years.” His face lit up. “I’ve never missed a holiday dinner.” He suddenly caught on to what she was implying and chewed his lip.

“I see your sister’s in a wheelchair.”

“Yes.” He looked up as she changed topics without warning. “She fell when she was young, severed her spine.”

“I’m sorry.” Ivy reached out and squeezed his arm. “That must be hard on the family.”

“It is. But I help out and take her to her appointments and physiotherapy.”

“Who’s helping her right now?”

“My cousin, but he’ll head back when I’ve done my training.”

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