“My parents wanted me close. My brother and sister are still here, and I have a passel of nieces and nephews. And honestly, I wanted to be close to them, too. So I finally had my rehab at the VA hospital in Montana, and when I was ready to work again, I took a civilian position with the Army. Administrative assistant for Colonel Bennett.”
“He spoke very highly of you,” Logan said. “Said you were the most organized person he’d ever worked with and that losing you would be a significant blow to his operation.”
Mary felt warmth spread through her chest. “The colonel is a good man. But the work...” She hesitated, then pushed forward. “It wasn’t challenging. I was grateful for it at first, grateful to be working at all. But after a while, I realized I was capable of so much more than filing paperwork and managing the colonel’s calendar. I needed something that would push me, something that would let me use all my skills, not just the safe ones.”
“And LSI Montana fits that?” Logan asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.
“I think it could.” She leaned forward, her enthusiasm breaking through her professional veneer. “I have an acquaintance who works for Mace Hanover. Marjorie Tiddle. We met many years ago at a conference, and we stayed in touch. When I hoped I’d be able to get an interview with you, I called her to find out more. The chance to build something from the ground up, to be part of creating something important? That’s exactly what I’m looking for.”
Logan studied her for a long moment, and Mary resisted the urge to fidget under his scrutiny. Then he nodded, his posture relaxing slightly.
“Your résumé is exemplary,” he said. “So let me give you some information about what we’re creating here.”
Relief flooded through her so strongly that Mary had to fight to keep it from showing on her face. She knew that if Logan hadn’t been seriously considering her, he never would have invited her out for the interview. And if he wasn’t feeling confident that she would fit into what he was building, he wouldn’t be sharing details about LSIMT. Good.
“Thank you, Logan. I’m eager to hear it.”
He settled back in his chair, his hands folded on the table. “Since you’ve talked to Marge, I’m sure you have some idea of what LSI is about. But let me give you the full picture.” His voice took on a quality that suggested he’d given this speech before, but he still believed every word. “Mace Hanover had the opportunity to lead a CIA team that included special ops personnel from SEALs, Delta Force, Rangers, and Air Force special tactics. All egos were checked at the door, and he said the experience was so profound that he wanted to replicate it when he got out of the service.”
Mary nodded, leaning in slightly. This was the heart of it, the philosophy that would drive everything else.
“He built Lighthouse Security Investigations based in Maine. Hired the best people he could find, regardless of which branch they’d served in, and created something unique. The success led to opening a second LSI on the West Coast with Carson Dyer taking the lead.” Logan’s expression grew more animated as he spoke, the passion behind the project showing through his normally reserved demeanor. “They provide security, install specialized systems, and conduct investigations. They’re often called in by the FBI, work hand in hand with the DEA or ATF, and handle situations that require specialized skills and absolute discretion. And that’s what we’ll be doing here.”
“And the position you’re considering me for?” Mary asked, her heart rate picking up.
“I need an administrative manager,” Logan said. “But that title doesn’t really capture the scope of what I’m looking for. Your background in logistics makes you even more valuable. I need someone who can help run LSIMT from the operational side. Someone who can handle payroll, correspondence, requisitions, and coordinate with our equipment specialist on what we need and when we need it.”
He gestured in the direction of the compound. “Bert Tomlinson, one of the men you met outside, served with my SEAL team as a support specialist. He’ll handle equipment and weapons here. You would work closely with him on procurement and inventory. Between the two of you, I need to know that this place will run smoothly whether I’m here or out on a mission.”
The scope of it settled over Mary like a challenge and a promise combined. This wasn’t just answering phones and filing papers. This position was integral to the operation, and she would be trusted with significant responsibility.
“It sounds challenging,” she said, unable to keep the smile from spreading across her face. “And it also sounds exactly like what I want to do.”
His lips quirked up in what might have been a smile. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He pulled the laptop closer, then opened and turned it so she could see the screen. “Let me show you the compound layout and where your office would be.”
The schematic on the screen showed a complex that was far more extensive than she’d realized. Logan pointed at various sections as he spoke.
“All the buildings on the compound will be accessible. We’re nearing the end of the construction phase on some of them, but accessibility is built into the design from the ground up.” He indicated a section of the main headquarters building. “Your office will be on the first floor, right off the main entrance. An elevator provides access to the lower level, where we have our command center, armory, and secure communications room.”
Mary studied the layout, her mind already organizing how the space could be used most efficiently. “The proximity to operations makes sense. If I’m going to coordinate logistics and handle administrative needs, being close to where decisions are made is crucial.”
“Exactly.” Logan seemed pleased by her response. “We’ve also built living quarters on-site. A bunkhouse that can accommodate up to six people, with private rooms and common areas. Not everyone will live on-site, but the option is there for those who want it or need it during active operations.”
“I’m currently staying with my parents,” Mary said. “They moved into a retirement condo after they handed the ranch over to my brother. It’s about an hour from here. I can commute until I find a wheelchair-accessible apartment closer to the compound.” She paused, then added honestly, “Though accessible apartments in this area might be challenging to find.”
Logan nodded thoughtfully. “If you can’t find something suitable, we can look into modifying one of the on-site quarters. But we can figure that out as we go. The important thing is whether you want the position.”
Mary’s breath caught. This was it. The moment that would determine everything. “Yes,” she said, her voice firm and clear. “Absolutely yes. I want this position, Logan. I want to be part of what you’re building here.”
The smile that crossed Logan’s face was genuine and transformative. “Then welcome to LSI Montana, Mary. I’m glad to have you on the team.”
They spent the next twenty minutes discussing logistics. Start date, salary, benefits, and the practical details of integrating into a company that was still being built. Mary’s mind already raced ahead, thinking about the systems that would need to be put in place and the organizational structures that would make the operations run smoothly.
Finally, Logan stood, and Mary rolled back from the table. “Let me show you around,” he said. “I think it would be good for you and Bert to spend some time together this week. The two of you will need to coordinate closely, so the sooner you can establish a working relationship, the better.”
Mary’s pulse jumped at the mention of Bert’s name, and she firmly told herself it was professional interest. They would be working together. Of course she needed to establish a good working relationship with him.
They made their way outside, where the three men she’d met earlier were visible near the main headquarters building, and Logan led her in that direction. She wheeled with a little difficulty over the hard-packed dirt road, wavering between the potholes.