Page 55 of Just the Wrong Twin

“I’m totally in for that,” Nate said.

“I thought so,” Pierce said. “They have social distancing protocols in place, but you might be able to suggest options to people for getting exercise outside of the weight room, or coach from behind plexiglass.”

“Absolutely. There are moves that are easy to do at home, too.”

“Good morning,” Simon growled, sounding and looking like a bear who had just been roused early from hibernation.

“Is it?” Jimmy teased and Simon glared at the screen.

“You know I’m a night owl,” he grumbled. “Welcome, Nate. Remember to call me Troll. Everyone else does.”

“Thanks, Troll.”

Sam was next. He had dark hair and blue eyes and looked to be in his late forties, like Troll. “Sam O’Leary, in case you forgot,” he said with a fingertip wave.

“Not me,” Nate said. “You were the one who ducked into the room across the hall and almost got me.”

Sam nodded at that. “Close only counts in horseshoes, though. Pierce and I had our first tour as SEALs together.” He gestured to Simon with a fingertip. “The fearsome threesome. Welcome, Nate.”

“We call him Smoke,” Jimmy provided. “Sam is the master of disguise who can disappear faster than anyone you know.”

Nate nodded, impressed.

“Quick review for Nate’s benefit, so he knows who to call,” Pierce said and they all sat up straighter. “We start on time, no matter what.”

Nate realized there were team members who hadn’t shown up yet. He wasn’t going to join that club.

“Lisa MacAvoy,” Mack said. “Legal details, quartermaster, smoother of wrinkles and general facilitator.” She wrinkled her nose. “Since we don’t have that many legal quandaries, yet.”

“Let’s keep it that way,” Pierce said.

“Jimmy Wong, tech support and troubleshooting. I’m the backroom guy or the guy who has your back.”

Nate nodded.

“Troll,” Simon said. “Brute force extraction.”

They all laughed at this and Nate recognized it was a joke.

Simon almost smiled. He seemed as taciturn as Pierce. “Seriously, I do physical training, along with Angel. I’m more weapons and Angel is more martial arts. Between us, we have it covered.”

“Angel!” everyone cried together when a big blond guy appeared on screen.

“Fucking computers,” he muttered, eyes glinting with frustration. Then his grin flashed. “I hear you have mad skills with locks, Nate,” he said. “Jared Peters. Angel. Martial arts and general ass-kicking.”

“I remember you kicking my ass,” Nate said.

Angel grinned. “Always good to leave an impression.” He sobered. “I need to see your stuff this week so I can assess what you need to learn.”

“Absolutely.” Nate realized his initiation wasn’t going to be any easier than what he’d expected from the Raiders. He was ready for them to bring it.

“Hi everyone. Sorry I’m late!” A woman with curly ginger hair and glasses appeared. She could have been the same age as Lisa, but looked more disorganized. Nate remembered Regan from his test.

Pierce tapped his watch and she flushed.

“Won’t happen again,” she said breathlessly.

“Yes, it will,” Mack murmured.