Frank. He’s had his eye on Black, and Waters too, for that matter.”
I heard a light chuckle before the voice spoke up again. “I think we can come to an understanding.”
General Mac appeared in the doorway, and I jumped to my feet out of respect.
“Black, this is General Logan. He would like to speak to you.”
“Sure thing.” I gave a nod and wondered if he was related to the Cole Logan I’d heard about. He was legendary and one of the youngest men of my generation to make Colonel. His reputation was well known, but not many people had the pleasure to meet him in person.
“Please call me Daniel. Would you mind if we stepped outside?”
“Not at all.” I followed him outside, curious as to why he wouldn’t want to talk there.
“I don’t like stuffy offices.” He seemed to read my mind. “I prefer to conduct my business outside with a clear head.”
“I’m not complaining, sir.” I shot him a friendly smile and liked how at ease he made me. We stopped at the edge of the property where the grass ended and the trees began. An owl could be heard in the background over the partying that was beginning to pick up since our mission was successful. I crossed my arms behind my back and stood waiting to hear what this man had to say.
“Have you heard of Shadows?”
I thought for a moment.
“No, sir, I haven’t.”
“I guess that’s a good thing.” He chuckled to himself. “What about Eagle Rock?”
Now that, I had heard of.
“Yes, I do know about Eagle Rock.”
“Well, Blackstone is its brother company. My son Cole Logan has taken the team over, and we are looking to fill the last spot.”
Son? Well, that made sense.
I had waited my whole life to be a Delta soldier, but nothing prepared me for this. Soldiers would sell their souls to be asked to join one of those teams. It was an impossible dream that only a few earned.
Daniel turned to look at me, one hand on his chin while he spoke. “I was there the day you finished your training and made Delta. What you did in training, risking your chance at running out the clock, that’s not something you see every day.”
“No man left behind.”
“Yes, in the field that’s true, but you were fighting for a spot on a Delta Force team.”
“Mission or training, it shouldn’t make a difference. A life is a life. A brother is a brother. If they’re hurt, you’re hurt, your team is hurt. If we don’t stay true to that in training, how do we know the person will have our back in the field?”
He studied me for a moment before he nodded. “You’ve been on this team for just over a year, and you’re still quick to move when someone is in trouble.” He waited a beat to let me know he knew about what had happened this morning. “And I know you went through hell and back for a spot here, but I think you’d be a great fit for Blackstone.” I cleared my throat and tried not to smile. “If you’re interested, we can meet tomorrow and go over the details. I understand a fresh head is important with an offer like this.”
I didn’t need to think about it, I knew it was what I wanted.
“No need to wait, sir. I’m in. Thank you.”
“Daniel,” he reminded me, “and I’m happy to hear that, and my son will be too. He’s had his eye on you for the past thirteen months.” He turned away and took a couple steps when I called out.
“Daniel.” I tested his name, but it felt disrespectful. “Sir, Waters is a damn fine option too.”
He smiled and pressed a finger to his mouth as if it was a secret. “That’s why Frank has added him to Eagle Rock.”
“Sir?”
“We don’t let the best of the best slip through the cracks, Black. Welcome to the team.”
A chopper suddenly took off, and wind whipped the loose dirt around us. My lungs filled, and I fought to breathe.
My eyes jolted open, and I gasped for air. It took me a moment to realize where I was. Still in the hospital, but the colors were different? Did I get moved to a different room?
“You couldn’t have let me have this one moment.” The annoyed voice made my head jolt over to the side to find Daniel sucking down a juice box.
What the hell?
“Why am I here?”
“Sue thought we’d like to be bunkmates.” He