Page 20 of Signed, SEALed, Delivered

“Hurry up, Viper. Ramsey noticed you leaving in a huff. He’s been sneaking up the side of the ridge for the past few minutes, looking over here with a set of binoculars.” Nothing Ramsey did would ever surprise me, he wanted to be on my team more than he wanted his next breath.

“This goes without saying,” the emotion of the situation hitting me like a brick. Taking a long pull from the jar, I ignore the protest my throat is giving me about the burn. “Y’all are my family. Anyone of you fuckers needs me—” Doc takes the jar from my hand, rescuing me from dealing with the emotions surrounding me.

“Hey, man, it ain’t like you’re getting out tomorrow.” Kicking my boot, he flashes me a watery smile. “It could be worse, you could have the kinda time I have left.” Doc had signed up so the military would pay for med school; he still owed them a considerable amount of time. “Hopefully, they’ll stick me in some cushy stateside job until my time is served.” Doc had a way of looking at things, always trying to get our minds off the madness around us, making light of the intense situation.

“With your luck, Doc,” Reaper pulls the jar toward him, rising to his feet. “You’ll spend the next fifteen months on bedpan duty.” As the rest of us join Reaper, our bodies in a tight circle.

“Hey, you know me, I’ll do anything to see a little ass.”

We walked as a unit down the ridge, each of us calling out a hello to the hiding Ramsey as we passed the shadow he retreated into. Captain saw us walking across the camp, his gaze remaining on us as he stopped his forward progression.

“Lieutenant,” shifting his stance, he was a smart enough guy to know when something was up. “Something I need to know about?” Eyes flicking back and forth between the six of us, his brow furrowing with concern. “Yes, Sir. You got a minute?”

Havoc had been right; his days in the military were numbered. Apparently, his last physical showed an area on his lung the military didn’t particularly like. Captain gave him his word he would make sure his final duty station would be close to home. Chief hinted around he would consider a civilian job with the medical unit, but with no real training his odds were slim to none. Reaper was offered an extension with a considerable bonus, but he turned it down, saying he could make more money brewing moonshine. When Doc asked to return to Bethesda, Captain gave him a worried look, and then reminded him this mission was far from over and his skills as a surgeon were still needed here.

Ghost didn't say much of anything, thanking Captain as he signed his paperwork and left. We all knew he didn't want to return to Montana, fixing fences and herding cattle. He was a smart man and an incredible SEAL. Whatever he chose, he would do well.

To: CupCakeCutie

From: Michaels. Zach, L.T.

CC:

Subject: Need your help

Savannah,

Remember when I was home last time and we talked about you renting a building for your store? Well, I want you to call the same lady who helped you and see if there are any openings for my tattoo shop. I made the decision tonight; I'm done with this part of my life. It's time to open a new door and live my dream. I need somewhere with a good storefront location. I'm open to buying or leasing, just check it out and if you wouldn't run a shop from it, then I wouldn't either. I need to have everything up and running so use that power of attorney I gave you to make this happen. I'm counting on you. Oh, and tell Zane to save me a ticket for his home opener.

Love,

Zach

P.S. We can talk on the phone if you can arrange it, just add in the time difference.

Kennedy had been on my mind more than I was really comfortable with. It was unnerving for me, in nearly every one of my thoughts the faceless girl was there. Her last email had got me to seriously start thinking.

To: HorseWhisperer

From: Michaels. Zach, L.T.

CC:

Subject: anywhere in the world.

Kennedy,

I must admit I am in agreement with you when it comes to staying in Georgia. I have traveled both with the Navy and on vacation with my parents to various countries. I've seen castles in Scotland, the Great Wall of China, and I floated in a gondola along the canals in Venice. The world is a beautiful place with mysteries yet to be solved and lessons to be learned. However, nothing beats the view from the top of the Stone Mountain, standing in line at the original Coke plant, watching the first pitch on opening day of Braves baseball, or the leaves change with the season. You asked me where I would open my shop, without a doubt it would be in Atlanta.

You might be interested to know I've contacted my sister and she's going to start looking for a place to open my shop very soon.

When I enlisted, I knew my duty and I've done it to the best of my ability. Recently, I went on a mission and came back with a pretty, sizeable gash on my arm. I have a good amount of stitches, but more than that, I have a new perspective on things. I want different goals and new adventures. I believe my new way of thinking really started when I began this friendship with you. I hope you don't find it forward of me, but once I get settled in Atlanta, I would really like to take you to a game or stand in line at the Coke plant. I understand if you are too busy or not comfortable, but maybe if you give it some consideration your brother can come with you? Give it some thought; I look forward to your next email.

So tell me, if you could design anything for anyone, what would it be? Tell me about your horse. How would you handle having the freedom to work with them instead of what your mother dictates you to?

Yours,

Zach

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