Page 6 of The Commander

“Nah, bro, we learned how to catch the bad guys,” Ryder replies, and those close to the banter snigger.

“What was your department called again?” Josh shoots back, knowing the former Delta Force operator can’t answer that. We all know it exists. But we don’t... if you know what I mean.

I suppress my yawn.

It’s just a normal Monday morning team meeting here at Black Hawke Security.

Except it isn’t.

Something feels different.

The room is filled with all the men and women who work in the organization, from the tech team, the paramilitary field employees and office staff.

There are also a bunch of new faces, which hasn’t gone unnoticed. Let’s just say by their bulk and the way they hold themselves, they certainly aren’t joining the accounts team.

I snort to myself, and Liam shoots me a quizzical look.

But yeah, instead of the usual field operators, like me, a few tech guys, and management, today, everyone is here.

“Christ, it’s like herding sheep. Phones off. Boots off chairs. Act like you had a mother and a father at some point in your childhood.” Josh takes another sip of his coffee, then places the mug on the desk and faces the room, hands planted on his hips.

Aidan steps up beside him, reading something on his phone, then lifts his face.

I guess we’re about to find out what this is all about. From the looks on the faces around me, I’m not the only one wondering.

“I know some of you had to move things to be here. Especially those on different shifts.” Aidan nods around the room. “Appreciate it.”

“We wanted as many of the team here as possible to make a couple of official announcements.” Josh looks to be making eye contact with everyone in the room. “First, Aidan is pregnant.”

Deep chuckles fill the room as Aidan shakes his head. “Even if that were possible, I have enough with the twins, thank you very much.”

Josh fights the urge to smirk but then turns serious.

I’m curious as hell.

“Black Hawke Security started as an idea when Aidan and I were ready to leave our posts and go private. I can’t tell you how unpopular we are right now, handpicking some of the best SEALs, Marines, snipers, pilots, and other experts from the armed forces.”

“And yet...” Aidan grins.

“And yet, they love us. Well, love is a strong word.” Josh laughs. “Some of you are more familiar with the black ops arm of the business. We’re doing less work in that area, but it’s not dormant.”

I lower my brows, wondering if they were looking to recruit bodies into that side of things. I, for one, am not interested.

Josh and Aidan, as rumor has it, stepped away from the dangerous offshore operations when they met their spouses. I respect that. Especially given they’ve done their time as a SEAL and Marine, respectively.

“With one side of the business bringing in less revenue, we began to look at what else we’d like to do to grow BHS sometime around a year ago,” Aidan tells the room.

It’s a reminder of why I chose to join Black Hawke Security. Not only are Josh and Aidan top-notch operators, but they also run a successful, tight ship.

I’ve enjoyed being in the private sector even if it’s only been six months. The freedom took a little adjustment, but being able to get things done without seventy-five forms and all the red tape is refreshing.

The increase in pay wasn’t horrible, either.

Oh, and there’s no lack of toys; the armory and garage are full of all the things we love to play with.

As a company commander, I thought I’d miss my days on the range, leading and training up to two hundred soldiers.

There’s only one thing—person—I miss.