Thawing Hearts by Michele M. Reynolds

Author:Michele M. Reynolds [Reynolds, Michele M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michele M. Reynolds
Published: 2015-03-21T03:00:00+00:00

18

Keva stared at the stenciling on the wall: NAS JRB. She and her team were at Fort Worth Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Texas. They had been there for the last few days. At present, her team was somewhere performing drills in the 60-degree, sunny weather, while Keva was stuck in the stuffy, old office waiting to join a videoconference with the director.

She remembered how easy life had been when she wasn’t the leader of her team, when she took orders and didn’t have to worry about making the difficult decisions. Back then she was unaware of all the political games and pissing matches. Her job used to be just to carry out the orders to the best of her ability.

Director Stevens appeared on the screen at the far side of the room.

“McKie,” he greeted.

“Director,” Keva said.

“Let’s get to the point. I’m running late for lunch. Is your team ready for the next assignment?” the director asked.

“Sir, yes, sir,” Keva answered.

“You are satisfied with my driver as the replacement on your team?”

“Sir, yes, sir,” Keva answered.

“Fine, fine,” he said. “The other teams should be in line in seventeen days or so. Until then, what will be your course of action?”

“We’ll regroup today. With the next assignment being more than two weeks away, I intend to give my team a week’s break, sir,” Keva answered.

“Fine,” he said. “Good day.”

The screen faded back to blue and then to black. Keva shook her head and grabbed her hat as she left the room. She had waited more than an hour for a two-minute conversation—vital time she could have spent with Thomas. She had been spending every minute with Thomas since they had been in Texas, and Thomas had not disappointed her. He was intelligent and skilled, and he was a sponge for knowledge.

Keva felt joy watching Thomas. His energy and drive further proved to Keva how non-driven she was. She was done with this job, and Thomas was going to be her last project.

Keva took out her phone and texted Gerry to have the team meet her in their briefing area. Keva jumped into a military jeep and aimed it toward a small, local bar called the Crow’s Nest. It had become her team’s home away from home since they landed at this base. She entered the dark empty bar, and the owner nodded as she walked in.

“The guys are right behind me. Can you give us the works? And three pitchers?” Keva asked.

“Will do,” the bartender said.

Keva walked to a large round table in the back of the room. She opened her phone and texted her travel agent. Keva wanted to book a flight to Connecticut as soon as possible today. She had finished half of her beer by the time her team walked in. Gerry walked in first, and Thomas was buried in the middle of the group. Keva was happy to see that Thomas seemed to be becoming more comfortable with the team.

“Boss,” Gerry greeted Keva with a firm handshake.

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