a tight squeeze. “But I’m here, if you need to talk.”
“Thank you.” She doesn’t make eye contact and squirms in her seat. It’s going to take time, and I’m trying to lay down some context that I hope will make things easier for her to confide in me.
Over the past few nights, I’ve tried to give her a glimpse into what it means to be a Guardian. There are some things I can’t share, which sucks. Here I am, wanting her to be open and honest with me, while I hold back crucial details about what I do for the Guardians.
But what will she think about me when I tell her I’m Alpha Team’s go-to torture guy? That extracting information from unwilling participants is my jam? What about the fact I’m also the team’s sniper?
My job is to kill, and I’m very good at my job.
I was excellent while I was in the military, sanctioned by the good old United States of America. It’s what drew the attention of Guardian HRS. When they found out I was getting out of the military, Sam and CJ were at my front door with a contract and an impressive benefits package.
Both CJ and Sam, went to work for the FBI as hostage rescue specialists after they separated from the military. Forest recruited them and they recruited me. Those ties to the FBI ensure Guardian HRS remains an unofficially sanctioned entity by the US government.
Officially, Delta team is our link through official channels. They deploy for domestic hostage situations, which require a certain finesse the US government can’t sanction. The rest of us operate in those gray areas, where legal and non-legal objectives merge.
And that is where my unique skillset thrives.
My gut says Moira meeting with the psych docs at the Facility won’t change a damn thing. She’s not ready to talk to anyone, which makes me worry. That kind of shit does bad things to a person’s head if they let it fester inside of them. Somehow, I need to find a way to make Moira talk.
Our drive ends far too soon. I park and walk with Moira into the Facility, and thankfully Zoe is there. I’m hoping Moira might open up to her friend.
The moment Moira notices Zoe, a high-pitched squeal splits the air.
“Zoe!” Moira releases my hand and sprints toward her friend.
“Moira!” Zoe answers in kind, and my shoulders draw up to my ears with all the female squealing going on.
The girls embrace and the squeals shut off as they simply hold each other for what seems like forever. When they part, they both brush at the tears which fell.
I breathe out a sigh and realize I may have been too protective of my time with Moira. Maybe I shouldn’t have waited to get the two of them together. I head over to the greeting desk while the girls talk amongst themselves.
“Hi, Four.” Kaye, the Facility’s receptionist and holder of all the knowledge, knows every Guardian by sight. “How’s it going?”
“Pretty damn good.” I gesture toward Moira and Zoe. “I thought maybe I’d get a goodbye, but…”
Kaye gives a flap of her wrist. “Don’t let it get to you. You know how things work around here.”
“Yes, I do.” I glance over at Moira, not sure if I should interrupt, but I have appointments of my own to make. “Did Moira arrange a schedule of any kind? I’m not sure when to pick her up.”
Kaye peers at her computer screen. “She’s got a couple of appointments with the staff. One’s at eleven, the other’s at three. Not really sure why she spaced them out like that, but I’d bet she won’t be ready to leave until at least five.”
“That actually works well for me.” I tap the desk with my finger then head over to Moira and Zoe.
Zoe notices me first, and her expression softens. “Hi, Four.”
“You can call me Griff. I think we’re beyond the numbers.”
“I suppose so. Axel mentioned you were taking some time off. I wondered why I didn’t see you during practice.”
I point to my leg. “Doctor’s orders.”
“I bet that’s killing you.”
“Definitely.” My attention shifts to Moira. “Do you mind if I have a moment with my girl?”
“Your girl?” Her eyebrows lift in surprise and she shares a look with Moira. “Good going, girl. You snagged a Guardian. Now we have that in common as well. We’ll have to trade stories.”
Moira’s face turns bright red at that comment. It’s funny, because I’ve never seen Moira blush before. She