Wes Crockett ploppedin the club chair in Troy Bremen’s room. “I’m checking in.”
“And I’m checking out,” Troy teased.
“You are such an ass sometimes.” He offered an amused smile.
“That’s what you love about me.” Troy pressed his lips together. “I think I’m ready. No, I’m ready for the mental portion of the job. I don’t know if I’m ready for another surgery. And I’m not going to have you and Kip as my backup all the time, so I need to appoint my own XO.”
“There isn’t a timetable that says you have to do this today. Wait until after the surgery to jump the hurdles. Smooth won’t care.”
“I care,” Troy spoke forcefully.
“Okay. Who are you thinking about for first dep?” Wes asked.
“Now you’re the ass; there’s only one person.” Troy looked up at the ceiling and shook his head.
“Gwen,” Wes stated the obvious.
“Of course Gwen. She’s already assigned as my PT companion, security escort …whatever title Martin came up with. She knows my program and will help get me settled with my new medical team. I spoke to Martin. He says he’s fine with it. And he knows about the kiss.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Wes, I’m going to have to tell her the whole truth.”
“And? You choose your narrative, my friend; you can share what happened in Silverton with whoever you chose. You’re having flashbacks. You can’t run from them, and you can’t hide. Is it the telling anyone part, or is it Gwen?”
“I don’t want her to see me as a victim. I can’t bear seeing pity in her eyes.” Troy’s shoulders sagged. “Anyone’s eyes.”
“If she hasn’t pitied you yet, I don’t think she will now. Think about that,” Wes counseled.
“I’ll put it on my list. Their medical director sent me a schedule of all the -ologists I’ll be seeing. Tim Holland is head of my team.” Troy stared down at his empty palms.
“Holland knows his stuff.” Wes leaned in closer. “You have all of us. You better find a house with guest rooms. We will be visiting.” He cracked a smile and looked down.
“What’s up?” Troy raised a brow.
“I’ve been asked to torture you before you leave.” He pulled a syringe out of his pocket. “A little anticoagulant for the road. No blood clots for you,” Wes teased.
Troy chuckled and pulled his shirttails free from his pants. “Pick your spot.”
Wes pulled an alcohol prep from his pants pocket as well. After he cleaned the area, he counted, “One… Two…” He injected the med before he called “three.”
“You always were a bastard with a syringe.” Troy stood and tucked his shirt in again.
“I’ll grab your bags. See you downstairs. Oh, one more thing.” He walked to the hall and returned. In his hand was an ornately carved ebony cane with the head of a phoenix in silver. “You need something better than that medical-looking cane.” He placed his hand on top of Troy’s as he took the cane and squeezed the back of his hand, his eyes misting over.
“Shit, I don’t know what to say.” Troy ran his finger over the carving.
“Be careful.” Wes took it back. With a flick of his fingers, he revealed a long sword hidden within the cane. “Make sure you fly our jets.”The corner of his lips turned up.
Troy laughed. “Holy shit.”
“It has a flexible rubber tip for secure footing. I’ll see you downstairs.” Wes’s small smile turned into a cocky grin.
* * *
The bladesof the Chase Security International helicopter rotated in lazy circles. Troy used his new cane for balance as he made his way toward the cabin doors, watching Gwen “Witch” North stride beside him. As they walked, Tango Team lined up.
Gwen, intent on him, didn’t notice Remy Mirouette signal to Tango Team to stop their forward motion. Troy tapped her arm and pointed. As she turned to look, the team stepped to attention and saluted. “All for you, Gwen,” he whispered.
Gwen swiped at her eyes beneath her sunglasses and returned the salute.
Troy turned to look behind him, finding Wes Crockett standing with his fiancée’s arm around him. Eleanor West, a social worker, helped Troy work through the repeated nightmare that began when he regained consciousness after an undercover operation went sideways.