SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,75
the man who ordered us into an ambush. He wanted me gone before I threw a spanner into his promotion. He accomplished his goal.”
“Did you follow through on your threat to go to the media?”
“What was the point? Most of my team was dead, and my career was over. All I wanted to do was leave the whole mess behind me.”
“Did you?”
“Sure.” Bitterness filled his voice. “The only things I have left from my military career are PTSD and the knowledge that my team died on my watch.”
Rafe glanced at Eli and gave a slight nod. Wolf Pack’s leader handed Adams a business card.
The Ranger frowned. “What’s this?”
“My contact information. Do you want to continue working for Ward Security?”
He straightened. “No, sir.”
“If you want a shot with Fortress, send your contact information to my email. I can’t guarantee Maddox will hire you, but I’ll get you in the door for an interview. You interested?”
“Yes, sir. What happens if Maddox hires me?”
“You’ll spend some quality time with two Special Forces teams at our training facility in Otter Creek. You need it. You’ve lost your edge.”
Adams glanced at Rafe. “Yeah, I have. You shouldn’t have gotten the drop on me.”
“Your skills are rusty. They better not stay rusty at PSI. Otherwise, you’ll be out on your ear. Our trainers don’t mess around.” He ought to know. They sharpened Rafe’s skills when he was there and gave him a few new ones to carry into his black ops career.
“Wait.” The Ranger frowned. “PSI. Personal Security International. Isn’t that where a Delta Force team trains bodyguards?”
“That’s right. It’s a tough training regimen.” And because Rafe knew how he felt being trained in a bodyguard school after being a SEAL, he added, “The training is a gateway into being an operative.” Adams might have the skills to be an operative, but with his track record, he’d have to prove himself during training and a probationary period. Maddox might let Adams run a few missions with an established team as a test if Cahill and St. Claire believed he was qualified to be an operative. “You’ll have to prove yourself to the trainers, and that won’t be easy. Are you up for the challenge, or do you want to continue wasting your time and military training with Ward Security?”
Adams looked at Eli. “You’re serious, sir?”
“I’ll ask Brent to bring you in for an interview. The rest is up to you. Are you in?”
“I’m in.”
“Good. As soon as you send the contact information, I’ll call Maddox.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
“Tell us about your security team.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
“Fleming is a lush. He can’t stay away from bars. He even drinks when he’s at home. That man drinks on the job and off.”
Eli frowned. “How did he get a job at Ward Security?”
“No clue.”
“Why would Hugh choose Fleming for my security team?” Kristi asked as she pushed her empty mug aside.
“An excellent question.” One Rafe wanted answered.
Adams’ eyes widened. “Mr. Ward requested him?”
“Ward says he chose the team himself.”
“I wouldn’t hire Fleming to watch my dog much less the woman I planned to marry.”
Kristi flinched. “I’m not marrying Hugh.”
The Ranger stared. “Does he know that?”
“I told him yesterday. He wasn’t happy.”
“I’ll bet. He’s talked about you nonstop for the past few weeks, ma’am.”
“I can imagine. Look, Hugh and I were friends, but that’s all. I’m interested in someone else.”
Adams’ gaze shifted to Rafe. “I can see that.”
“What about Hale and Howell?” Eli asked, dragging the conversation back on track.
“Hale is a loose cannon. Doesn’t take much to set him off. He was dishonorably discharged, too, but he’s a company favorite as a bodyguard since he’s big and strong.” He grimaced. “The ladies seem to love him.”
Kristi frowned. “He followed me around for a couple of days when I complained to Dad that I thought someone was watching me. Hale said I was imagining things.”
Rafe kissed her palm. “Always trust your instincts, Kristi. You were right.”
“What about Howell?” Eli asked.
“Loser with a weakness for stealing stuff. He was mall security before Ward hired him. Can’t figure out how he keeps his job. The dude sleeps on shift all the time.”
“Is he your partner?”
Adams grimaced. “Yeah. He asked for the night shift on this detail. I had already been assigned to night watch. I have trouble sleeping at night. Makes the most sense for me to work the graveyard shift. Besides, I don’t have a family except for Mom, and