Page 47 of The Soldier

We’d shaken hands and he was all business, introducing me to the rest of the team. Everyone else seemed to know one another which told me they’d done missions together previously.

That boded well for a successful few days.

I couldn’t help thinking, this could have been me if I’d joined the infamous Delta team. There was a buzz about them that no soldier could deny. They demanded an unspoken respect. This wasn’t my first time working with them. I knew they were the best of the best. Some days I wish I’d joined. It would have been an honor.

Plus, imagine being able to smile knowingly at Ryder and bring that guy down to ground for once in our lives.

Totally worth it.

I respect the hell out of him...but he doesn’t need to know that.

He knows.

“Okay, gather ‘round.” Rodriques said. “We’re going to cross the waterway here and make our way into Iran while the rest of you head off to the city.”

That’s where the humanitarian work was happening. I knew it was part US assistance and part cover for what we were really doing out here.

“There it’ll take us a few days to get close to our target. Command is staying close with drones above us so we can get confirmation before moving in.” Rodriques had then turned to me. “I don’t have a full briefing yet on what you need from me.”

I indicated he follow me across the ruined building and without hesitation he did.

So did Miller.

“Sergeant, this is a classified conversation,” I’d said firmly.

“My orders were to shadow you,” he argued.

“Until we connect with Delta.” I glance at Rodriques.

Miller didn’t move.

I grit my teeth and hold his gaze without blinking. Try doing that in the desert with sand flying around.

“Return to your team.” Rodriques instructed him and Miller met his stare, nodded, and then shot me a deathly glare.

Jesus Christ.

“Something I need to know?” the Delta leader asked me.

Good question. One I would have asked myself in his shoes. Tension between personnel created a threat to the success of a mission.

“Former colleague. Unhappy to see me back now. I’m a deserter. Apparently.”

A look of realization crossed his face.

“Ah. Gone private?”

“Yup. With Black Hawke Security in California.”

Rodriques laughed. “Fuck me. You’re working with Ryder St. James. Tell that asshole I said hello.”

Of course they knew one another.

“Will do.” I pressed my lips together into a genuine smile. “But in answer to your question, no. I have no problem with Miller. Hopefully, he pulls his head in.”

Rodriques rubs a hand over his face, glancing over at the other men. “Yeah, that mentality is bullshit. I’ve seen your file. You’re a Green Beret and nothing changes that. So, let’s just get this shit done.”

My kind of guy.

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