Page 43 of Undeniable

I sagged in my chair, afraid to ask what this meant for the future. But I didn’t have to wonder long.

“It’s bullshit, and we will do whatever we can to fight it,” he said.

“What about the fact that his son was abusive?”

“We don’t have any proof,” Clay sighed. “And even if we did, George has diplomatic immunity.”

“Well, fuck.” I dragged my hand over my head. “Surely there’s something we can do?”

“Trust me,” he said. “There isn’t. Maverick and I have already talked to legal about it at length.”

I hung my head. “Shit. I’m sorry, Clay.”

I wasn’t sorry I’d hit the bastard, but I was sorry for how it was affecting Hudson Security. And the impact it was having on my friends and coworkers. I tried to sort through the options. At the moment, I only saw one.

“I think I should resign.” I didn’t like it. Didn’t want to. But if that was what needed to be done, I would.

“Fuck no.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The guy’s a pompous ass, and we never should’ve taken him on as a client. Reagan and some of our other assets are looking into leverage.”

I nodded. “I appreciate that, but…”

Clay leaned forward. “It’s not going to come to that, but I applaud your willingness to do what’s in the best interest of the unit.”

I nodded, hoping he was right. It would kill me to resign, but I’d do it. I’d do it for my family. Because that’s what we were at Hudson. “Of course.”

He rubbed his temples, and I sensed he had more to say. “You know why I suspended you, right?”

“To try to defuse the situation with the ambassador.” And probably to make an example of me.

“Partially, but I was more worried about you than what he’d try to do to Hudson.”

I… Wow. I hadn’t even thought of that.

“You have leadership potential, Connor. But if you want to advance at Hudson, you’re going to have to remember to put the best interests of the unit above everything else.”

I nodded. “I will. I promise.”

“I have faith that you will. Like I said, I know that incident was out of character. But I’m glad that you’ve been taking your suspension seriously. I received a certificate of completion for the Spines for Soldiers program. And Tatum says that he’s seen great progress.”

I nodded. “Despite my initial reluctance, I enjoyed the program. And I’ve found my conversations with Tatum and his insights beneficial.” So much so that I planned to continue meeting with him even after I was no longer required to attend therapy.

“Good.” He assessed me. “How’s your knee feeling?”

“I completed physical therapy, and my doctor cleared me for normal activity.”

“I know that.” He all but rolled his eyes. “I read it in the report. But I want to know how it feels.”

“Not quite one hundred percent, but nearly there.”

In addition to the exercises my physical therapist had given me, I’d worked out to maintain and build strength. And I’d completed numerous online training sessions.

“Wow.” He lifted his chin, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m impressed.”

“Thank you. I worked really hard during my suspension.”

“I can see that. But that wasn’t what I was referring to. I’m impressed that you admitted that you’re not one hundred percent. That wouldn’t have been the case in the past. You would’ve tried to cover up any perceived weaknesses.”

Well, shit. Maybe I hadn’t been as good at hiding my shortcomings as I’d thought.

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