Page 165 of Return To You

Sure, it was fun, that first time, organizing those little surprises. The flowers. The cards. The chocolates in case I wasn’t back yet.

That’s not a life plan, though.

Not to mention, I missed her like hell.

“The Air Force needs you, and that’s not a recruiting campaign, King.” I feel movement behind me. Probably Damian, but this conversation I’m having with my C.O. is too important to let a cat distract me. “I put my neck on the line for you to get Brussels.”

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“You’re not quitting the Air Force on me, King.”

“With all due respect, sir, I think I can do whatever the hell I want at this point.”

“You fucking serious?”

I’m kind of bluffing. “I do want to serve my country, sir.”

“Are you sure?”

“Did you read my message?”

“Why’d you think I called?”

“We might be dealing with a foreign entity testing shit out.” I look at the sky turning pink over the hill. “The folks here are gonna contact the FBI first thing in the morning. I believe it’s in our interest to be involved. It’s in everyone’s interest. But hey, what do I know.” Sarcasm won’t get me anywhere, but my C.O. is getting on my nerves right now. There’s a real situation at hand, and every minute counts.

“Is Brussels a yes or a no?” is his answer.

At least he’s giving me a choice, and I appreciate that. “Brussel’s gonna be a no, sir. If at all possible.” I may not have all my paperwork in order, but I’m still Air Force. I follow orders. He knows, however, that there’s no point sending someone to a sensitive posting who doesn’t see it as their life mission. A few months ago, I would have done anything to get that posting. But I’ve lost that commitment. My priorities are elsewhere now.

“Fucking fuck,” he mumbles.

“Lots of other qualified guys—and women—for that posting.”

“You think I don’t know this?” he barks. “You’re making me look like an asshole.”

Oh, that’s what it is. Who the fuck cares. “I’m sorry, sir. I really am. Now, about the situation here—”

“I stuck my neck out for you,” he yells.

And I said I’m sorry. Jesus, look at the bigger picture. “We might have uncovered a new type of attack, sir. There’s a good chance this was a test on an unsuspecting victim. If we play this right, we could be three steps ahead of the next major cyberattack.”

“That’s not exactly your expertise,” he reminds me. At least he’s calmed down and listening.

“Correct. But with the right team in place, this could be a big win for us. And we could learn a few things about what’s brewing.”

“What makes you think you’re the right person to lead the effort?”

Seriously, now he’s suggesting someone else take the lead? Fuck that. “Locals are a little on the weird side, sir. They won’t trust anyone that’s not from here.”

“What the hell do we care?”

“Like you pointed out earlier, we have no jurisdiction.” He didn’t point that out, but he should have.

He grunts. “What makes you think they’ll let you take over?”

“They came to me for help, sir. They didn’t need to.”

“Alright. I’ll see what I can do.”

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