Page 19 of Tactically Acquired

“And why is that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. With all the stories you tell that never seem to have an ending, this should fit right in.”

“You’re fucking hilarious.”

“I know. That’s why I said it,” Kavanaugh said mockingly.

Max lit up his cigar and leaned back in his seat. “So, I’m needed in the air?”

“Nope.”

“Then what exactly is my purpose on this mission?” he asked, sliding his sunglasses down his nose to stare at Lock.

“You’re there to ride along and make sure Fox doesn’t scalp someone and FNG doesn’t try to kill himself for the fun of it.”

“So, I basically have no fucking job whatsoever.”

“Basically.”

“Good to know,” Max nodded, puffing on his cigar.

“Alright, and that leaves only one job,” Lock sighed. “We’re picking up two actors for a live training with the company. Thumper, your team will?—”

“Ooh, I volunteer!” Kavanaugh shouted.

I snorted in amusement as Lock glared at Kavanaugh. He just couldn’t catch a break this morning.

“Kavanaugh, you’re supposed to be dead.”

“And your point would be?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at Lock.

“That you can’t exactly be dead if you show up on the fucking camera footage.”

“I’ll wear a disguise.”

Lock pinched the bridge of his nose. “Would you just—fuck, this is gonna be a long day. Thumper, your team is up. Under no circumstances are you to allow Kavanaugh anywhere near this fucking op.”

I chuckled at that. “Is this really an op? Boss, it’s basically a television show, right?”

“Technically, yes, but it’s a paying gig, and a damn good one.”

“So, we’re doing what exactly?” IRIS asked.

“Training seminar. Think of it as a ride-along.”

We all groaned in unison. “Fucking hell, are you serious?” That sounded like the worst thing ever. “Boss, you want us to have actors tag along with us? That’s gonna be such a pain in the ass.”

“It’s not up for debate. And since you screwed up your last job of doing the one fucking thing I asked of you, suck it up and do what I ask. And stop calling me boss. This is only temporary,” Lock snapped.

“Can’t we just blow something up and call it a day?” IRIS asked.

“For once, I’m with IRIS,” Thumper nodded.

“Thanks, man. It’s about time you were on my side.”

“I’m not on your side,” Thumper retorted. “I’m on the side of this being as painless as possible.”

I raised my hand, not that anyone ever gave a fuck what I thought. “I vote we put them in the worst fucking situation possible and end this in the first fifteen minutes.”

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