Page 2 of Inescapable Gravity

Ever.

And that said something about the man and who he hired.

Okay.

Now Marius was really paying attention.

"You five gentleman have been invited here to become the first five members of what I'm calling Big Sky Bodyguards. The headquarters will be here in Montana, but your assignments will likely be in other locations."

"We'd go where the work is."

Marius turned to look at the Brit, pretty sure the man was from Wales.

"We'd go where the need is." Marius added and saw the others look at him with approval in their eyes.

"It looks like I've got a solid group of men here." Alex gestured to the seats and the men all found a place to sit.

He turned to Marius first. "Marius Goddard." He took a moment. "I believe I pronounced that correctly."

Marius smiled. "Yes." He had a feeling that Alex knew exactly how to pronounced his name and a thousand other things about him. Alex Marchand didn't strike him as a man who left things to chance.

It was the reason why Marius had shown up in the first place. He'd done his research as well.

Alex turned to the next man in the circle of couches. "William Winchester."

Marius noticed that all of them had dark hair except for the man at the end of the group who had some dark gold in his hair.

Alex continued around the group. "Evander Sharpe."

Marius took note of the name. It fit the Brit well.

"Julian Tate," and then the man at the end, "Miles Upton."

The men exchanged looks in the way that men size each other up when they meet. Especially when they were brought together for their collection of skills. It was natural to want to stand out.

He was sure that Alex could almost hear the thoughts in his head.

"We have a camp in the mountains where we'll hold a training for this group."

Julian spoke up. "We'll be training as a group?"

Alex hesitated for a moment. "Will that be a problem?"

The silence in the room lasted for a split second. Everyone answered him at once.

"No."

Alex's expression eased. "Good."

William looked around the group, talking as he did. "We're all trained in groups in our military careers. We can do whatever you need."

Alex nodded, acknowledging his reassurance. "That's why I picked all of you. Still, we'll need to see if there are any holes in your tactical memories.

Marius felt everyone bristle at the idea.

"I don't think that will be a problem." Miles answered this time, sitting straighter in his chair. "But maybe I shouldn't speak for the Brit." He flashed a look of challenge at Evander. "How do we know he's up to our standards?"

Marius spoke up. "I've trained with UK Forces a number of times. They may sound more cultured than you, Miles, but they fight hard. Don't underestimate our friend from across the pond."

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