Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
The caring daddy in the story was having a tea party with his special little girl. The image that swelled in her mind of a flouncy dress and lots of gaudy jewelry helped push away her reality. She got so involved, she didn’t notice that the banging had quit. Rexy licked her ear, pulling her back to the present.
“I think he left. We can go to bed now,” Aspen said, before breathing a sigh of relief.
She forced her cramped muscles to move and clambered to her feet. Not daring to get undressed or take a shower, Aspen climbed onto her small twin bed and pulled her tattered blanket to cover her. She called Rexy to come sleep with her, but as usual, the fearful dog chose to stretch out on the bare floor at her doorway.
Maybe someday, Rexy would believe that he was safe.
Maybe I’ll be safe.
The words of the daddy from her story whispered in her mind. Sleep tight, little girl. I’ll be here when you wake up.
CHAPTER 1
Jerico parked his car at the military base administrative offices. Aware that he was probably already under observation, he kept his expression calm and controlled as he gathered his duffle, keys, and phone. Exiting his car, he deliberately left it unlocked and walked with a purpose to the main doors. Once inside, he looked around to orient himself and headed down the hallway toward the classroom where he would meet his new team.
Day one of being put in charge of a group of men way more experienced than he was could be a bit intimidating. Jerico chose to look at this meeting as an opportunity. Keeping his expression calm and relaxed, he walked through the corridor, looking for the right room.
“Another team leader for us to keep safe,” a disgruntled voice carried into the hallway, making Jerico pause just outside the door.
“Every special ops team needs a commissioned officer. This guy has some good qualifications, and he was chosen especially for the team. That means something to me.”
On that note, Jerico walked inside. The other men jumped to their feet to salute, and Jerico waved them off. “At ease, men. Good morning. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Jerico Adams. I know you have questions and are skeptical about a new team leader.”
“No, sir. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” the largest of the men told him politely.
“That’s nice of you to say, Max Zion, but I’m throwing the bullshit flag. You’re wondering what my qualifications are and what you’ve been stuck with. As for you specifically, Max, I’m sure you’re hoping I won’t get the team blown up,” Jerico told the man tasked with defusing traps or explosives.
“Yes, sir. I’d like to avoid that.”
“I’ve been in the military for eight years. I come from a military family and have trained my entire life to prepare for this challenge. In addition, I’ve worked with one team before you. The brass reassigned that team to do black ops and a team leader was designated who had a slightly different skillset than I do,” Jerico announced as he scanned the room. He hesitated a moment before proceeding.
“I have a degree in business management. I do realize that this organization is nothing like a corporation. Each of you has a job, and it’s my job to stay out of your way, smooth things over with those higher up, and make sure you have whatever you need.”
Turning, Jerico put up a hand to catch a rubber ball arcing close to his head. It smacked soundly into his palm, and he curled his fingers around it to trap it.
Without even addressing that move, he continued. “I know that Caden,” he pointed at a man with a trace of gray hair at his temples, “is the man who has the most experience and knowledge. He doesn’t have my job because he spent time in the field surviving, instead of in a classroom studying.”
“Amen,” that disgruntled voice sounded again.
This time Jerico zeroed in on the man who’d twice voiced doubt about his ability to lead. “Koa Lokela, this is the first time you’ve been on a team. Of all the men here, you have less experience than I do. No need to make yourself look like an ass on my first day.”
“Amen,” Caden added with a warning look at the youngest team member.
“Yes, sir.”
Jerico was glad to hear that the tone in Koa’s voice had lessened. “Koa, as the communication guy on the team, I’m sure you realize you are the first target for anyone trying to stop or cut off the team from resources.”
He added nothing else, but let that rest in the air. Koa needed everyone to keep him safe.
Jerico turned his attention to a man who had been standing perfectly still, despite all the words swirling around him. The sniper. “Hank Murdock. I know you also transferred from another team recently, changing positions because of your skills.”