Page 33 of Luck Be Mine
“We who?”
“Mackey and I plus my Aunt Elizabeth.”
“Curiosity is prodding me.”
He leaned forward in his chair, serious and earnest. “You remember my Aunt Elizabeth?”
“Yes, from my wedding, and Mackey walked me down the aisle.”
“Well Mackey and I are both out.”
Cait jerked in surprise. “I did not expect that. Why? Did your injury disqualify you? It shouldn’t have.”
“No, voluntary. Mackey and I joined forces and went into business. We asked my aunt to be the finance officer. She worked for my grandfather, but since her son got killed in Afghanistan, she’s been struggling. This has been a good change for her. We would like you to join us.”
“Me?” Surprise squeaked her voice. Clearing her throat, she checked Quaid’s face. As serious as she’d ever seen, she checked an impulse to laugh. She couldn’t feel her fingers, and physically she was still wrecked.
“Mackey and I based a security company here in San Diego. QM International Security.” He searched his pockets, pulled out a card, and handed it to her.
She studied the black glossy card. QM International. Security solutions. “What kind of security solutions?”
“We’re searching for missing persons, handling human trafficking cases, and providing international corporate security for traveling executives.”
“You both have the experience. But why are you telling me this?”
“We need medical.”
Cait’s eyebrows rose. “Uh, why? Anticipating injuries already?”
Quaid leaned closer, intensity in his features. “Yeah, honestly, some of what we’re looking for is basic. We have nineteen men, and the scrapes, bruises, strains, and broken bones are what we’re worried about. We have seven cases running, and if we need serious help, I’d rather it comes from a friend. Elizabeth had the idea of a medical bay at our site, and we can stock it and staff it. I thought of you.”
“I’m not full-speed, Quaid. I have no feeling in my left hand, and my shoulder has no mobility.” Admitting the truth hurt as bad as the injury.
Quaid shrugged. “Regardless, we can help you with your recovery in exchange. We need you for training field medics, guiding triage standards, building treatment protocols, and tracking physical/psych evaluations for our people. You’ll run medical debriefs and track wellness and be our go-to for injuries.”
“I’m trying to rehabilitate so I can get back into an operating room. If and when I get the feeling back in my fingers, I’m going to have to retrain in a surgical program that will test my skills and get me current and proficient again. University of California San Diego (UCSD) has a program, but I don’t have enough information to figure out how this fits.”
But a spark ignited deep. Her desperate self latched onto it like a life preserver. For the first time in weeks, she sensed a shift. Could she?
“Who are these people you’ve hired?”
“Mostly former military and police. Some retired. Others opted out for something a bit safer.”
“Your description doesn’t sound safer. It sounds like coming at danger from another angle.”
“There’s a need. We’re negotiating with the government for a contract with the Department of Defense, and business interest is overwhelming us. Business professionals don’t want to travel internationally without protection. It’s perfect for our setup. The job is a good combination for you. A mix of admin, strategy, mentorship in a place where many of us will understand your injury, your recovery, and back you.”
Cait stayed silent and studied Quaid’s face. He remained quiet, too, letting her think.
“I miss the Army and the help from people who get what you’ve been through and what you need.”
“I hear you. Talk to Elizabeth. She could get into more detail since this Chief Medical Officer position was her idea.” He turned over the card and took out a pen. Scribbling a number on the back, he handed it to her. “Please, we need people we trust, and we want to do this right.”
Cait sat back in her chair, intrigued with the possibility. “I’d need to talk to Hunt, and he’s out. I’m not sure when he’ll be checking in.”
“But you’re interested.” He raised a brow and nodded yes at her. Persuasive the man was.
She made him wait a minute. After all, was there anyone in the world who said no to a handsome spy playboy?
