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More files to review. Dex thumbed through the documents mindlessly, unable to get his mind off Kelly. It had been five days since she’d told him he had to let her go and they’d had no contact since.
He’d been an ass about it, and he knew it. Completely convinced, she was going to let him back in and they could start working on the relationship. To hear her say it was over had stunned him. Instead of being sympathetic he had made it all about him. Yeah, he’d been a complete fucking asshole. He had started to call or text her several times but hadn't known what to say. So, he decided to give it a few days.
The team being gone wasn’t helping either. It sucked being stuck here, grading AARs like a goddamn schoolteacher when his guys were out in the field. He’d spoken to Ryan briefly yesterday. They had been sent to Africa to extract an American doctor, which of course they completed successfully, and were now due home in a couple of hours.
His phone rang and he cursed, seeing Sam’s name. He’d not called him yet either. Every time he went to do it, a nagging voice in his head told him to wait and think about Sam’s offer a little more. He loved his team, but Ryan was more than capable of leading them, as he had proven yet again on this latest op. Was it time to move on?
“Dawson, you got a minute?”
Dex hit ignore on his phone then looked up, surprised to see Joe standing in the doorway.
“Well, I’m a little busy, sir,” he answered with a hint of sarcasm, gesturing at the reports on his desk.
Joe grinned, stepped into the office and sat down.
“How did the team do?” Dex asked. Joe had commanded the op from the base rather than deploy with them. It was a quick in and out, with no need to set up a base in country.
“Don’t try and tell me you haven’t spoken to Ryan.”
Dex smiled. “You know I have. Just wondering how you thought they did.”
“They did good. Never had any doubts.”
Neither had Dex. His team was solid, with or without him.
“So, Captain Harrison.” Joe leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.
“What about him?” Dex asked cautiously, unsure where this was going.
“He’s offered you a job.” Not a question but a statement.
“Have you spoken with him?”
“No. But the man doesn’t stick his neck out for someone unless he wants something. Even I know you would be an asset to him. It’s easy to put two and two together. Have you accepted?”
“No.”
Joe raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. “Why not? You were made to lead a team like that.”
“You trying to get rid of me, Joe?” Dex quipped.
“Well, you are a pain in my fucking ass.”
Dex chuckled.
“So, come on. Why haven’t you accepted?”
“Alpha is my team, Joe. I haven’t told Sam no yet, but I can’t imagine working alongside anyone else. Hell, Ryan and I have been together for over ten years. It’s hard to walk away.”
“What I’m hearing is that you plan to stay here, leading Alpha for the rest of your active-duty life. Correct?”
Dex sighed. Was that the plan?
“That doesn’t sound like the Dawson I know, who thrives on a challenge, always wants to do better, be better.”
“Obviously you think I should go for it.”
“Dex, you are a damn fine operator. One of the best I’ve ever worked with. Despite your fuck ups, it’s been an honor for me to lead you and Alpha. You are a born leader, respected not just by your team but also by your peers and superiors. Sam Harrison was exactly the same and look where he is now. You have a lot more to give, to offer, to achieve, that you might not get to do if you stay here with Alpha. This is the golden ticket, Dex, and you won’t get a better mentor than Sam Harrison.”
Joe stood up, looking down at Dex who recognized the “talking to” position, one he’d gotten from his Pops on more than a few occasions.
“I get you love your team. But teams don’t stay together forever; they evolve. People move on. Who knows what the future holds for Alpha. You know as well as I do how quickly things can change. So, in answer to your question, yes, I think you should take it.”
Dex hadn’t been expecting such praise and was speechless. Joe knew him well, knew what he was capable of.
“I’ll give it some serious thought.”
“Good. Because I’m pretty sure an offer like that won’t come around twice.”
Joe went to leave but Dex stood. “Joe, I wanted to ask you about something else.”
“Go, on.” Joe turned back to face him.
“It’s been almost two months. What’s the news on how Bravo were fed that intel and the target package for Lazir?”
Joe stepped further into the room and closed the door.
“An informant in Daram was close to Bravo’s target, Khalini. The CIA have been working with the guy for two years. His intel had always been solid. Khalini found out, took his wife and seven-year-old son, threatened their lives.”
“Shit. He's been scooped up then.”
“No. He’s dead, along with his family. It’s not clear who carried it out, but it was on Lazir’s orders. The only reason CIA know this is because they have an agent undercover on the ground there. He learned what happened.”
“Jesus Christ. Were they tortured?’
“Yes.”
Hell, Reborn was a ruthless, sadistic faction. One that needed to be stopped. “Are you saying CIA have a man close to Lazir? Do they know where he is?”
“Not close enough, and no, there’s no location yet, so no target package. But trust me, they have a task force specifically assigned to this. Nobody gets away with murdering one of our teams and torturing one of our people. It is priority, but that bastard is good at staying hidden.”
Yeah, Lazir had evaded them for three years before showing his face at that compound.
“Thanks for the update, Joe, I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. When he does raise his head, it’s highly unlikely a SEAL team will be sent in. They will want the op as dark as possible. Something to consider while you’re thinking about Sam’s offer.”
Dex watched him leave. Onyx, being the ones to go get Lazir when the time comes, certainly added a little more incentive to Sam’s offer. An idea started to form in his head.
Dex checked to see if there was a message from Sam, but there wasn’t. Damn. He shouldn’t keep the man waiting this long. He glanced at the clock. Another hour and he could get out of here. He’d call Sam and chat with him on his way home.
The hour dragged by, but finally Dex headed out to his truck. The team was walking toward him.
“Welcome home, boys. Nice job I hear.” Dex grinned.
“Yeah, piece of cake,” Steve said, but his pissed off tone didn’t go unnoticed.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen? I just spoke to Joe, and he said everything was good.”
“It was good. The op was textbook,” Tyler said.
Dex looked between them, they all looked tense and royally pissed off.
“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on then?”
“There’s more heat than normal. That’s all. We’re being watched a little closely,” Ryan said.
“Closely? We’re being fucking micromanaged. You were lucky you weren’t there, Dex. You’d have lost your shit. Did Joe not tell you?” Mackie asked.
“No, he didn’t mention it. I don’t get where this is coming from?”
“Captain Reynolds is now overseeing all of Alpha’s ops and apparently, he has a very distinct way of doing things. Basically, we’ve got to clean up our act. No joking around, full uniform, no beards, buzz cuts, just like being fresh meat,” Donnie explained.
“And we all get to debrief individually. Review our AARs with him,” Steve added.
“Is this because of Daram, the hearing?”
“It probably didn’t help, but I guess Reynolds was taking over anyways. So, with or without Daram, things would still be changing. It likely put us under the spotlight though.”
Fuck. Being a SEAL at their level meant the rules were relaxed a little. Dex had heard rumors about Reynolds, a stickler known for bringing down the hammer and making sure everyone toed the line. Hell, he knew he was going to have to watch himself when he returned to Alpha, but with Reynolds, he was going to have to seriously cover his ass.
“Dex, we’re heading to Jerry’s for a beer, you coming?” Tyler looked back at him as he started toward his truck.
“Thanks, Ty, but I got something I need to take care of. Next time.”
Dex watched the team file out. This wasn’t right. None of them deserved any of it. Those men were at the top of their game, they didn’t need babysitting. It was time to find out if the idea he had bubbling around in his head was a possibility.
Sam answered on the first ring.
“Captain, it’s Dexter Dawson.”
“Good to hear from you, Commander.”
“Is the offer still on the table?”
“Yes.”
“I’m in, but I have a condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“I want to bring my team with me.”
“All of ’em?”
“Yes.”
After a moment of silence where Dex wondered if he’d overstepped, Sam spoke again. His voice sounded light, almost as if he was smiling. “Let me know when you all are ready to come in.”
***
MCGARRY’S IRISH PUB was the hangout for off-duty Navy personnel. Jerry’s was more of a back street bar, owned by Jerry Simpson, a Navy veteran. Having done thirty years in service, he’d taken over the bar from Jerry Senior, his father, who passed away six years ago. Dex’s father had introduced Dex to this bar. In turn, Dex introduced the team. They loved this place.
The guy’s vehicles were parked outside, so unless they’d gone home wasted, the boys were still here. This was going to be a weird conversation for sure. Would they even consider the offer? He had no idea, but he wanted to give them this opportunity.
Dex strolled into the bar, a big smile on his face.
“Hey, you made it! Jerry, get the man his usual.” Tyler slapped Dex on the back, much more relaxed and in a far better mood than earlier. Beer would do that.
“Yeah, I changed my mind.” He took the beer from Jerry. “Thanks, how are things?”
“All good now that this bunch have got rid of their long faces.” Jerry mocked.
“Yeah, well, there is only so much they can do with those faces.”
“Speak for yourself, old man. My face does not get any complaints.” Mackie, the youngest on the team showed them his winning smile. It was true. He was never short of female attention.
“Not so much of the old man, or that face will be taking on a new shape.”
The guys laughed, the old banter flowing easily.
“Who’s up for a game of pool?” Mackie wandered toward the pool table.
“I’m in. Rack ‘em up.” Donnie followed him.
“Hey Ryan, can I talk to you a minute?” Dex motioned to an empty table.
“Sure.” Ryan placed his empty beer bottle on the bar, and then grabbed Steve and Tyler’s shoulders. “Don’t forget to include us on the next round, boys.” Ryan grinned before joining Dex.
“The guys seem to be in better spirits.” Dex said as they sat down. It was good seeing them more like themselves.
“They’ll be fine. It was just a bit of a shock. It' been a while since we’ve had to explain and justify every action and call. Still, you’re back in a week, so you get the pleasure.” Ryan said with a wicked smile.
“Yeah, coz I take being questioned really well, huh?”
Ryan shrugged. “Don’t really have a choice. It is what it is. It will settle down. Reynolds is just making his mark. Have you heard anything from Kelly?”
Steve brought two more beers to the table. “You guys look way too serious.”
“Yeah, we’re kind of concerned about that jersey.” Dex aimed his beer bottle at Steve’s Boston Red Sox’s jersey.
Ryan laughed as Steve looked down at his shirt in mock horror.
“What’s wrong with it?”
Steve’s love of the Red Sox was well known and well-ribbed among the team as the rest of the team were die hard Padres fans.
“To love the Red Sox is one thing. To broadcast it, in San Diego, well, you’re just asking for trouble. Just warning you...” Dex smiled.
Giving him a friendly finger, Steve walked away. Dex took a swig of beer, turning back to Ryan.
“Yeah, we had coffee while you were gone.” He recapped the conversation. “And before you say it, yeah, I know I was a dick.”
“Please tell me you reached out and apologized, agreed to her terms?”
Dex focused on his beer bottle sheepishly.
“Jesus, Dex, you haven’t?” Ryan didn’t hide his frustration. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I was going to, but I didn’t know what to say. Shit, Ryan, I don’t want to make things worse, maybe a little space is better.”
Ryan shook his head in disbelief. “From the man who is never lost for words. How much worse can things get? She told you she wants to be friends, reached out. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that was for her.”
Dex scrubbed his hands over his face. “I know. I fucked up. I was so convinced that we were about to get back on track, it took me by surprise. I will reach out.”
“Do it sooner rather than later. I love you man, but you got to understand that the message you’ve given that beautiful woman is that if she only wants to be friends, you're not interested. Not cool brother.”
Dex recoiled at his best friend’s words. Fuck, could Kelly really be thinking that? That was not what he thought at all.
“Alright, you've made your point. I will speak to her and make things right.”
Ryan said nothing, instead raising his beer to his lips.
“Kelly wasn’t what I wanted to talk about. I got something to tell the team, but I wanted you to know first.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows in question, waiting for him to continue.
“I’m leaving Alpha.”
Ryan slammed his bottle on the table.
“What the fuck? Because of the NJP? Reynolds? You don’t just quit. That’s not who we are. What kind of message does this send to the guys?” Ryan let him have it. Dex held up his hands trying to get Ryan to take a breath.
“It’s not like that. I’ve been offered an opportunity, and after a lot of consideration I've decided to take it.”
“You're not seriously considering going down the merc route?” Ryan glowered at him.
Dex threw him a get real look.
“What then?”
“You’ve heard of Sam Harrison, right?”
“Duh, yes.” Ryan rolled his eyes and Dex chuckled.
“We had coffee.”
“Wow, way to bury the lead, buddy. When was this?”
“Few days ago. Sorry, I didn’t tell you before, but I needed some time to think things over with everything that’s been going on.”
“What’s Harrison up to now?”
“After he got out, he joined NSA for a while.”
“Seriously? NSA huh? Wouldn’t have guessed that.”
“With his knowledge and experience, I can see how useful he would be. A year ago, he was asked to come back and head up a new team.”
Taking a swig of beer, Dex waited. It didn’t take long.
“The black ops team?”
“Got it in one. Captain Sam Harrison, commander of Onyx. The military's nonexistent black ops team.”
“Well, I'll be damned. That super-secret shit really does exist.”
“Yes, it does. Sam’s been following my career, us, for a while.”
“The great Sam Harrison looking at us. Well, that’s a boost to the ego.” A big smile spread across Ryan’s face.
Dex laughed. “Yeah, I had the exact same thought. I was pretty dumbstruck when he told me.”
“So, it was him that wrote that statement?”
“Yes. He was very impressed at how we pulled it off.”
“I’m guessing he offered you a job.”
“He offered me the chance to build a team. He has one team already. He asked me to lead a second one.”
“That’s quite an offer. I can understand why you want to take it. I’m surprised you needed time to think about it.”
“It’s not easy for me to walk away from Alpha, from all of you. So yeah, I needed time to think. After the hearing and everything you guys did, having my back, it didn’t seem right to leave. You guys are my family, you know that.”
“So, what changed your mind?’
“Two things. Joe. He basically told me I’d be an idiot to turn it down, that it’s a once in a lifetime offer. He was pushing hard on it. Then when you told me about Reynolds, it made sense. Even Joe knows I won’t fair well with Reynolds scrutinizing my every move. So, maybe it is time for a change. I’ve been leading Alpha for five years.” Taking a swig of beer, he braced himself. “I called Sam an hour ago and accepted. But I only agreed on one condition.”
Ryan paused, beer bottle halfway to his mouth.
“I told Sam I wanted to give you guys the opportunity to come with me.”
Ryan lowered the bottle back on the table.
“Are you shitting me?”
Dex smiled at his best friend, his brother, his number two. “Nope. Ryan, I know it’s a big ask and a big decision, but fuck. Just think how fucking cool this could be. We only answer to Sam. There’s more flexibility, no long deployments but, of course, the risks are greater.”
“I don’t even know what to say to that.”
“Just consider it. I don’t expect you to decide right now. Just think about it. And if you decide it’s not for you, I understand. It sure as hell won’t change anything between us.”
“And you’re really going to offer the team the same opportunity?”
“Yes. Sam’s fully on board. I have a feeling this is exactly what he wanted.”
He watched Ryan down the rest of his beer and get up. “I need another drink, then you can tell me more about it.”
***
KELLY SHUT THE LAPTOP lid, rubbing her eyes. How the hell was it seven p.m. already? Ever since getting the assignment from Joe, she’d got totally lost in it. And it felt great. The hours seemed to slip by like minutes. In the past week her mind had strayed less and less to what happened in Daram. She still had nightmares but not every night. The light at the end of the tunnel was getting brighter. Except when it came to Dex.
A whole week. And silence. Could he seriously not be just friends? She’d been half-tempted to call Matt and tell him what an ass his son was being but thought better of it. Like Matt had said before he left, Dex sometimes needed a little time to get his head around things. But a week?!
Her phone buzzed. Well, speak of the devil.
Dex: I’m sorry. I handled that conversation terribly and I should have reached out sooner. Can you forgive me? We’ve always been friends and I don’t want to lose that.
With a small smile, she went to text back. Little butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted to hear from him.
Kelly: I don’t want to lose that either.
Dex: So, can we start this just friend's thing over?
Kelly: Are you sure you can do just friends?
Dex: Yes. I’m sure.
Kelly: I don’t want things to be awkward Dex.
Dex: They won’t be. I swear. Meet me for another coffee and I’ll prove it to you. I have some news I’d love to share with you as my best friend.
Kelly’s smile widened as she typed, Ryan is your best friend........😊 She loved teasing him. Perhaps she shouldn’t tease if they were just friends?
Dex: You will always be my number one best friend; Ryan comes a close second.
Kelly: So, what’s the news?
Dex: Can only tell you in person.
OK, now she was intrigued, and she really wanted to see him. That knowledge surprised her. She’d been pretty pissed at him this past week. Yet a few texts, and she’d forgotten all about it. Do what feels right for you. Claire’s words rang in her ears.
Kelly typed, why don’t you grab that coffee and come by the house.
Dex: On my way.
Twenty minutes later, Dex knocked on the door. Kelly checked herself in the mirror. What did it matter what she looked like? They were just friends.
“Hey, stranger.”
“Hey, bestie.” Dex grinned holding up two cups from Cora’s coffee shop.
Kelly stepped back to let him in, closing the door. “Come on, the sun’s going down. Let’s go sit out back.” She led the way to the deck, taking her drink from him before settling into one of the Muskoka chairs. Dex sat in the other.
“Thanks for the drink.”
“You’re welcome. Kelly, I really am sorry about before. I just... fuck... there’s no excuse.”
“You thought things would just go back to normal between us,” she said softly.
Dex hung his head. “Yeah, I guess I did.”
“If only it were that easy. But you’re here now. Let’s not keep going over it.”
“Well, thank you for not punishing me too much for being such an ass.”
“Oh, give me time.” She gave him a tentative smile.
“Fair enough, I deserve that. You look great. How’s work? I haven’t seen you on base.”
“Works great. I’m really enjoying getting back into it. Keeps my mind busy. I haven’t been on base much, but I plan to start going there a little more now...”
Dex finished the sentence, “Now that you don’t have to worry about bumping into me and it being awkward?”
“Well now that you mention it.” She grinned at him, before sipping her coffee. ‘So, what’s this news?”
“I’m leaving Alpha.”
Kelly almost spat out her coffee. “What?” Dex was Alpha. Why on earth would he leave? “Is this because of me? That op, the NJP?”
“Whoa, slow down. Firstly, my NJP was because of me, not you. You know it wasn’t my first NJP and it probably wouldn’t be my last. So, no more saying it’s because of you or we won’t be friends.”
While his tone was light, Kelly got the message. Everyone repeatedly told her it wasn’t her fault, and, while her logical brain understood that, every now and then the doubt crept in, especially when the team leader tells you he’s leaving.
“Alright, I hear you. So why?”
She listened as Dex told her about the black ops team, Sam, and the offer he’d made to the rest of Alpha.
“Are you sure you should be telling me about this?”
Dex shrugged. “Maybe not. But I trust you.”
“It sounds fantastic. Although it seems even more dangerous than what you do now.”
“Awe, you’re worried about me.”
Rolling her eyes. “I worry about the whole team.”
“The risks are greater, but we’re good enough. I know it.”
“And the team said yes?”
“Ryan has. I told the rest of them to sleep on it. I want them all to come with me. That’s me being selfish. They need to do what’s right for them. Just because I want to operate until I physically can’t, doesn’t mean the rest of them want to. Who knows. Mackie’s only twenty-five, he might want to go Admiral route, or lead his own SEAL team. I would never want to get in the way of any of them choosing their own path.”
“Look at you, all grown up, thinking about them.”
“Yeah, I’ve had a few lessons recently. Made me look at a lot of things differently.”
Kelly looked away. The sun was kissing the horizon, the beautiful orange glow shimmering across the waves.
“So, when do you start?”
“Not sure. Sam wants me there yesterday, so hopefully right after my NJP finishes.”
“I’m happy for you. It does sound like the perfect position for you.”
“A new challenge. I’m ready for it.”
“Black ops. So, you could be the team that goes after Lazir?” Fuck, where had that come from? She sensed Dex’s surprise.
“Yes. We could be. And if I’m honest. I want it to be,” he said.
Kelly kept her gaze on the setting sun. “Please tell me that’s not the reason you’re taking this position.”
“Kelly, look at me.”
She did as he asked, her eyes moist.
“It’s not the reason, I swear. But I can’t lie to you. I’m going to ask Sam to make sure we are the ones that go when the time comes. Not just because of us, but for Bravo. You all deserve justice, and I need to be there when it’s served.”
Kelly swallowed, fighting back tears. “I want that too. Just promise me it won’t be at the cost of your life or any of the team’s.”
“I promise.”
The sun was almost down thankfully. Dex couldn’t see her eyes brimming with tears. They sat in silence, drinking their coffee, watching the orange globe disappear below the horizon.
“I should get going.” Dex stood. “I’m glad we cleared the air.” He paused. “We have cleared the air, haven’t we?”
Kelly blinked back her tears, smiled, and stood up. “Yes. We have. I’ve missed this.”
“Me too.”
“So don’t be a stranger.” They walked to the front door.
Dex smiled. “I won’t. And if you need anything, I mean it, please call me. Text. Just because we’re not.... What I mean is, we’re still close. You’re still important to me. Reach out anytime you need to.”
Kelly opened the door. “OK.”
They stood there for a moment, a little awkward. She wanted to hug him, but also, she didn’t want to send mixed messages, so she decided against it. Dex stuffed his hands in his pockets and stepped outside.
“Good night, Kelly.”
“Good night, Dex.”
She watched him walk away with a flurry of disappointment. This is what you asked for, Kelly. Just friends.