Page 6 of Operation: Valiant Angel

“We’re quasi military,” Wilson said. “But we are one hundred percent loyal Americans and so are the few civilians who work with us. As we said, the majority of our group came directly from the special forces’ community. This team is just the next phase of our service. The missions we take on protect American lives.”

Woods looked undecided.

“There’s some serious shit going down out in the world. Shit, we stop. Few get the invitation to join us. We’ve got a top-notch Digital Team. You’d be surrounded by the best,” Garcia said.

Woods laughed nervously. “You’re like, serious, aren’t you?” He couldn’t believe they really wanted to hire him.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Garcia asked.

“Man, you don’t look like you ever joke,” Woods replied.

Wilson had to stifle a laugh. And he hadn’t even seen a truly intense Garcia. He’d almost forgotten that Briana wanted to talk to her brother as soon as he’d signed the NDA. He pulled out his phone and text messaged Madison to see if now was a good time for that call. He knew Madison was working with Briana today, her second day as an employee of the agency.

Almost immediately after, his phone rang an incoming call from Briana Woods. “Hey, how’s it going there?” he greeted.

“Good, thanks. How’d he take it?” Briana asked.

“You can ask him yourself,” Wilson said. He handed the phone to Cameron Woods. “Your sister.”

“Bree, are you okay?” Cam Woods asked.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you they were on their way to see you, the nondisclosure form and all.”

“I get it. I had only a mild heart attack when I opened my front door to them.” And he wasn’t joking. His heart definitely seized in his chest when he saw them.

Even though Woods held the phone to his ear, Wilson was close enough to him to make out most of Briana’s words on the other end.

“So, I’m sure they told you I’m working with them now,” she said.

“Yeah, and they just offered me a job too,” Cam said. His tone of voice still clearly conveyed his surprise.

“Yes, I knew they planned to. Take it, Cam. We can still work together to do a lot of good.”

“Aw, Jesus, Bree,” Woods said, turning his back to the two men and pacing a few steps deeper into his house. “You have them now. You don’t need my help any longer.”

“We’re a team, Cam,” she said. “And you’re going to love the tools they have. And the access. We only dreamed about being able to check out our potential clients and their situation like this! This is the big leagues, Cam. And we’ve been invited in.”

Cameron Woods turned back around, and his gaze swept over the two men, still standing in his entry. “I’ll listen to what they have to say, and I’ll consider it. That’s all I can promise, Bree.”

“Good enough,” she said. “Call me after they leave.”

“I will,” he promised. “Bye.” Then he handed the phone back to Wilson. “She wants me to listen to your offer.”

“Your sister’s a smart woman,” Wilson said.

Wilson watched Cam Woods closely as they laid out the employment offer. Woods’ facial expressions as they spoke broadcast his thoughts. He was thrilled by the salary and benefits package. Wilson doubted Woods ever made that much in his life. The list of what he’d buy ticked through his thoughts, no doubt. He didn’t seem intimidated by the workload or hours.

“It’s a team environment,” Wilson said. “You seem to be more of a one man show. Will that be a problem for you?”

“I’m cool with working in a team if everyone’s pulling their weight, and it sounds like they do,” Woods said.

“They do,” Garcia assured him.

“So, I really have to move near Chicago to work for you?” Woods asked. “Haven’t you heard of remote workers or a work from home employee?”

“You will work from home on occasion, usually when we need you to log in and resolve something that is time-sensitive, and we can’t wait until you drive in. Lives often depend on what the Digital Team digs up. But yes, you have to relocate near our office,” Garcia said.

“And Briana will be operating out of the office. You’ll get to see her more than a few times a year,” Wilson added. “Probably weekly.”

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