Page 73 of Call Sign: Thunder
“Thanks… I think that will make her happy, and since there seem to be a lot of flights going back and forth between DC and The Ranch, I’m guessing you wouldn’t mind if she wanted to hop a ride back to DC to visit her dad sometimes, right?”
“As long as the flight isn’t part of an active mission that would put her in danger, she’s free to hitch a ride on the Condor anytime she wants. Now let’s talk about money.”
Zach didn’t have any experience negotiating salaries so when Ryder broke the news that he would be making a six-figure baseline salary to start, he almost whooped with surprise. But best of all was the promise of frequent bonuses after most missions. While Ryder refused to promise any specific dollar amount, it was clear that he’d be making significantly more than if he stayed a Marine, which made him very happy with his decision. As the men finished talking about the details of Zach’s employment, Zach decided to call his commanding officer right away after he landed. He needed to delay his return to base by another day so he could surprise Allison with a visit. He couldn’t wait to tell her all the good news.
It was only when the tires of the Condor hit the runway that Zach brought their conversation back around to Ryder’s wife.
“I noticed you changed the subject before you told me who your mystery woman is. If you decided you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I know I’m still the new guy and it may take you a while to trust me.” Zach wanted to offer the guy an out if he regretted mentioning his secret to Zach.
“I might as well tell you. You’ll find out from the guys eventually. They love to give me shit when we’re alone. I’m married to Khloe Monroe.”
“Yeah, right… that’s a good one. Who is it really?” Zach couldn’t help but laugh. There was no way the gorgeous, Academy Award winning A-List actress… Zach’s train of thought screeched to a halt at the look on Ryder’s face.
“But… Khloe Monroe isn’t married. In fact, she’s very famously single.”
“No, for the public, she’s playing her most important role as a very famously single actress. That everyone believes it is a testament to how talented she is, because when she’s away from the cameras, she is very much my wife.”
Zach whistled, the surprised kind of whistle you use only on special occasions.
“Holy shit, you do like to live dangerously, don’t you,” Zach said, meaning every word. Khloe Monroe was one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, racking in awards as fast as money. She was the kind of celebrity that would get recognized in literally every city in the world.
“Now you know what keeps me up at night.”
The Condor had rolled to a stop inside the hangar — the same hangar they’d left from just over twenty-four hours before. Ryder pushed to his feet and Zach followed suit, still thinking about all he and Ryder had discussed. He was excited to get back to his car so he could surprise Allison.
The men deplaned and found Harvard at the bottom of the steps.When Ryder stopped to talk with BSO’s lawyer, Zach took the opportunity to say his goodbye.
“Hey, if it’s okay with you, I think I’ll call an Uber to get me back to my car. That way you two can take as long as you want to talk.”
Both men turned his direction, smiling indulgently.
“Harvard isn’t here to talk to me,” Ryder said. “He’s here to bring your hiring package.”
Before Ryder said anything else, Harvard reached into his leather briefcase and came out with a thick folder. The word CLASSIFIED was printed on the front cover.
Zach reached to take the offered paperwork, unsure exactly what he was supposed to do with it in the middle of the hangar. Luckily, Harvard added instructions.
“I’ve compiled most of the information I think you’re gonna need. While you were gone, Bing ran a background check, a credit report, and pulled your service records. Obviously, since I’m standing here, you passed with flying colors.
“I need you to read through everything and shoot me an email if you have questions. Assuming you agree to the conditions, I need you to fill out the employment contract and sign the NDA. I’ll let you and The King work on the start date, but know that you’ll need to spend the first week here at The Bunker with me going through what Ryder calls ‘the boring stuff.’”
Zach’s head was swimming with the details Harvard had rattled off like he’d been reading from a legal document. He finally offered a lame, “Okay, thanks,” still anxious to leave and read through everything once he’d seen Allison.
He was annoyed when Harvard reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, coming out with another envelope, and handing it to Ryder.
“You sure about this?” Harvard asked Ryder.
“I’m sure. I’ll see you back at The Bunker,” he said, dismissing the lawyer.
Only when Harvard had turned and was walking away did Ryder hold the envelope out to Zach.
Taking it from The King, Zach asked, “What’s this? More paperwork to fill out?”
“Naw… take a look.”
Zach didn’t miss the sly smile Ryder gave him.
Tearing open the envelope, Zach peeked inside to find a business check typed up in the amount of $15,000, and there, in the ‘Pay to the Order Of’ line was Zachary Garrett.
