Chapter 48
Chapter Forty-Eight
Noah
I knock on the door of my commanding officer, nerves rattling around inside me.
We landed back this morning after completing our mission, and I came straight here.
This is it, the moment I never saw coming.
I’m handing in my notice and requesting a transfer and then getting on a plane to London to surprise and tell her the good news.
If Tori and I are ever going to truly work out, this is what I need to do.
I don’t see it as a sacrifice, because I’d lay down my life for her, and she’s been through enough.
The military has taken enough from her. I’m not going to allow it to take any more of her happiness.
“Come in.”
I enter and stand in front of his desk, spine straight, shoulders back, and chest out, waiting for him to lift his head from his mountain of paperwork. I have always found him to be an approachable man. He’s close to retirement and has a family of his own, so I hope he understands my reasons.
“Sergeant first class Jones, what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Sir, I would like to put in my request to leave Delta Unit, effective immediately.”
His brows shoot up in surprise. “Can I ask why?”
“It’s time, sir,” is all I can say.
He rests his elbows on his mahogany desk and steeples his hands beneath his chin.
“Jones, in the years I’ve known you, you are one of the most dedicated and focused soldiers.
I could see you making it all the way to the top and finishing your career here at Fort Liberty, so there is only one reason I can think of that would have you standing in front of me today. ”
I stay silent and rigid, waiting for his next words.
“What’s her name?” he asks, giving me a knowing glance.
“Tori, sir,” I say quietly.
He nods in understanding and proceeds to quiz me. “And has she asked you to leave? Given you an ultimatum?”
“No, sir. This decision is entirely my own. It’s time I left.
I’m reaching the end of this lifestyle, and I want to settle down with her.
I’ve enjoyed my time here in D-unit, but I don’t feel it’s right to stay and put my fellow team members at risk because my head and heart are no longer in the job. ”
“I admire your honesty, Jones, and as much as I want to be able to release you right away, you’re scheduled to go on the next mission.”
Fear courses through me. No, I can’t go; not when I told her I was leaving.
“Sir, is there any way I can be transferred to another unit, swap with someone else, I—” He raises a hand and cuts me off.
“Jones, you have been training for this for months, you are one of the few soldiers who know this operation inside out. I cannot pull you off it. The best I can do is release you on your return.”
I grit my teeth, having to accept his decision, even though every part of me is screaming to push and fight him, but I know it will be no use.
“You are owed some time off, go, spend some time with your girlfriend, and really think about your decision.”
“Thank you, sir,” I say before turning on my heel and leaving his office. The door is closing just as he yells, “I hope she’s worth giving it all up for.”
Oh, she is.