Page 58 of No Regrets

“We had coffee.”

“Wow, way to bury the lead, buddy. When was this?”

“Few days ago. Sorry, I didn’t tell you before, but I needed some time to think things over with everything that’s been going on.”

“What’s Harrison up to now?”

“After he got out, he joined NSA for a while.”

“Seriously? NSA huh? Wouldn’t have guessed that.”

“With his knowledge and experience, I can see how useful he would be. A year ago, he was asked to come back and head up a new team.”

Taking a swig of beer, Dex waited. It didn’t take long.

“The black ops team?”

“Got it in one. Captain Sam Harrison, commander of Onyx. The military's nonexistent black ops team.”

“Well, I'll be damned. That super-secret shit really does exist.”

“Yes, it does. Sam’s been following my career, us, for a while.”

“The great Sam Harrison looking at us. Well, that’s a boost to the ego.” A big smile spread across Ryan’s face.

Dex laughed. “Yeah, I had the exact same thought. I was pretty dumbstruck when he told me.”

“So, it was him that wrote that statement?”

“Yes. He was very impressed at how we pulled it off.”

“I’m guessing he offered you a job.”

“He offered me the chance to build a team. He has one team already. He asked me to lead a second one.”

“That’s quite an offer. I can understand why you want to take it. I’m surprised you needed time to think about it.”

“It’s not easy for me to walk away from Alpha, from all of you. So yeah, I needed time to think. After the hearing and everything you guys did, having my back, it didn’t seem right to leave. You guys are my family, you know that.”

“So, what changed your mind?’

“Two things. Joe. He basically told me I’d be an idiot to turn it down, that it’s a once in a lifetime offer. He was pushing hard on it. Then when you told me about Reynolds, it made sense. Even Joe knows I won’t fair well with Reynolds scrutinizing my every move. So, maybe it is time for a change. I’ve been leading Alpha for five years.” Taking a swig of beer, he braced himself. “I called Sam an hour ago and accepted. But I only agreed on one condition.”

Ryan paused, beer bottle halfway to his mouth.

“I told Sam I wanted to give you guys the opportunity to come with me.”

Ryan lowered the bottle back on the table.

“Are you shitting me?”

Dex smiled at his best friend, his brother, his number two. “Nope. Ryan, I know it’s a big ask and a big decision, but fuck. Just think how fucking cool this could be. We only answer to Sam. There’s more flexibility, no long deployments but, of course, the risks are greater.”

“I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“Just consider it. I don’t expect you to decide right now. Just think about it. And if you decide it’s not for you, I understand. It sure as hell won’t change anything between us.”

“And you’re really going to offer the team the same opportunity?”

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