family a guy earned during combat tours was unlike any other, and Walker’d sounded so positive about this place and his new boss. He’d been kicked around a long time. All Jameson wanted was that same chance that Walker had. Redemption, damn it. The handicap did not make the man!
Mark cleared his throat. “When’s the best time to take a kill shot?”
Jameson blinked. Maybe this was his lucky day. “Most guys will tell you it’s the second your target steps into clear view, sir, but…” He swallowed hard. He had so damned much riding on the line. To have to walk back out this door, past the customer service desk, and get on the elevator with his head still held high, would suck. But his gut had always served him before, so he went with it again. “If you want my honest opinion, best scenario would be never. Optimum outcome would be for that terrorist to drop his weapon, raise both hands, turn himself in, and swear allegiance to something better than ISIL, or whichever asshat’s running the current shitshow. That way he could still contribute to his family. He could be a better man and heal his country instead of tearing it apart from the inside. And America’s sons and daughters could all come home.”
Dead. Silence.
Shit. The answer that sounded damned good when he’d said it, worried Jameson now. He couldn’t get a clear sense of Mark’s reaction. He’d slowed his breathing. Might even be holding his breath, the dog. Clever trick. Must have been a scout sniper in the Corps. Seconds dragged. But then—
“Shake my hand, you son of a bitch,” Mark growled. “You’re now working for the best damned employer on the Eastern Seaboard.” He didn’t hold back, just leaned across his desk, grabbed Jameson’s hand, and squeezed the ever-loving shit out of his fingers. Hurt so good!
“I am?” he asked to make sure he’d heard right. “I’m hired? Just like that?”
“Just like that,” Mark breathed as he ended the gripping congrats. “One word of advice, don’t call anyone around here sir, especially not Alex. He’ll rip you a new one if you do. Ember Dennison’s out today. She’s one of our three technical assistants, but Beau Villanueva’s just as good. I’ll introduce you when he gets in from the hospital, then to The TEAM when we’re through here.”
“Someone hurt?”
“Nope, Alex’s wife had a baby this morning, their first son together, that’s all. He won’t be in for a couple weeks, so yell at me for whatever you need.” Mark slapped several papers on the desk. “Here are your insurance forms, health, dental, and life. In Braille, so you won’t have to rely on someone else to explain things. You’re smart enough to figure them out, but my phone number’s at the top. Call if you have questions, but don’t be shocked when you get to your deductible. Alex covers that, so don’t argue with the man. When Beau gets in, he’ll get your computer set up, make sure the headset works and your audio’s clear. It also converts to Braille, by the way.”
“You’ve already got a computer for me?” Incredible.
“Sure. A tablet and ruggedized laptop, too. You’ll need them when you travel. All in Braille.” Mark’s fingers drummed the desk top, which, now that Jameson was more relaxed, sounded smooth and dense, like granite. “We expect all agents to keep in top military shape. Looks like you’re already doing that. Not sure if you’ve ever HALO jumped before, but—”
“I have. Looking forward to doing it again.”
“Great. You’ll have full access to the weapons vault upstairs, and you’re expected to attend and pass monthly range certification with flying colors. Can you do that?”
“You bet. I still carry,” Jameson confessed.
“Don’t worry about hitting your marks the first month. We’ve got specially designed gear and rifles for visually impaired operators, as well as spotters if you need one. You’re not dead yet, are you?”
Jameson shook his head, shocked at the confidence this man had in him.
“Breathing once in a while doesn’t hurt, you know,” Mark teased. “Take a breath, Junior Agent. You’re definitely hired. You’ll get your signing bonus by mail this week, unless you sign up for direct deposit today. For your information, we’ve got one of the best physicians onsite, as well as a full gym downstairs, and, occasionally, when David Tao’s in town, a genuine Buddhist monk who can teach you how to enhance all your senses.”
“I’m already proficient in Krav Maga.” And I can hear