CHAPTER SIX #2
“Yeah. I’m sure Jessie will just soak up everything Savannah shares. Probably be stunned silent.”
Ryder points his finger at the door. “You’re such a bad liar. Get out of my office.”
Grinning and feeling a little guilty, I head down to the operations department to get the drones and prepare for my assignment this afternoon. I’ll be working a few blocks from Warner Bros, where the girls will be, mapping out the new site. Filming is set to begin in about a week.
We use drones to map the area and assess the right security. From staffing to equipment to weapons.
It was done a few months ago by another company. The site got broken into and expensive filming equipment stolen. Warners then called BHS and handed over the contract to us.
Josh asked me to take the lead and start from scratch to ensure we found the issue and provided a much higher quality of security for the multinational media and entertainment conglomerate.
“The original plans are in your email,” Josh, a Navy SEAL and co-owner of Black Hawke Security, told me. “The camera and equipment that went missing is worth more than you can imagine. Make sure we get it right, and if we can secure more of their business, there’s a bonus in it for you.”
That was all the motivation I needed.
While I didn’t get in the air much anymore, playing around with drones was a decent second.
I almost walk into Travis when I step into the operations department doors.
“My man.” I hold up my palm for a high five.
He’s not exactly an introvert, but as a tech nerd, as I affectionately refer to him, Travis is quieter than most of the Jarheads and Grunts around here.
Most days you can’t walk down the hall without someone cursing or giving you a playful punch in the gut.
“Liam.” He slaps my palm and leads me down the back. “Okay, so I got you one of the new drones.”
My eyes light up. “Yeah?”
He grins. “Don’t break it. It belongs to a friend who wants a job here. I said I’d get it back in one piece.”
No pressure.
“How did he get it?”
The DJI Avata 360, an FPV-style drone capable of true 360° spherical video capture, are cutting-edge technology. New laws have restricted the import of them into the country, hence supply and demand.
“Don’t ask,” Travis grins.
“Dude, this is awesome. I really don’t care how he got it; I’m just excited to play.”
I walk to another table where the tablet is waiting and check that the latest version of the BHS custom-made app is loaded. Travis has set it up.
Being in the air controlling a fighter jet is unlike anything in this world. The power, the responsibility, and the thrill never wore off.
It’s hard on the body and takes immense training.
I’m fucking proud of what I achieved, but knew after a certain point that I didn’t want to do it forever.
That doesn’t mean I don’t miss flying through the air at g-forces that most people on the planet will never experience.
The adrenaline is addictive.
The risks in combat real.
But the world is moving on. Warfare happens around the boardroom table and on social media—in the media. Bio-weapons and AI are the new weapons of destruction. Most people aren’t aware.
Yet.
Neither appeals to me as a captain in the forces, and frankly, they scare the fuck out of me.
I saw the signs a few years back and decided to diversify when Jay when into the special forces as a sniper. I started playing with drones and loved them. It was a longer-term plan to add to my skill set when I left.
Working for Uncle Sam was something I was fucking proud of, but it doesn’t mean I had to give it my entire life.
Over a beer, about eighteen months ago, Jayden and I both shared that we felt the same. I wasn’t surprised. We joined together, and I’d always thought we’d leave at the same time. It had been that way all our lives. Same schools, same timelines, both joining the US Air Force.
Then I met Josh. A handful of us were debating a topic at an LA party we were randomly invited to. I noticed him watching me. Two hours later he hit me up and offered me a job.
“I own Black Hawke Security.”
“I know who you are,” I laughed. “Fuck, everyone does.”
Anyone who was paying attention, that is.
Typical SEAL, he hadn’t cared. Those guys have their egos ripped out of them and sent back to their mommas. As do the Marines and all the other special forces.
“Heard you have some skills with drones.”
I felt my days as an Air Force pilot were coming to a natural end, so as we talked and he ran some numbers past me, I felt fate tapping me on the shoulder.
I took his card and rang him three days later.
Unfortunately, Jayden chose not to join, having just interviewed with the corporate organization he now works for.
Something happened while he was on one of his last assignments. He won’t talk about it. Can’t talk about it. So maybe it's not the house purchase that drove him into a fucking desk job.
“I’m going into sales.”
I’d literally spat beer all down the front of me. “You’re what?”
“Sales,” Jayden replied, firm and sure. “Nice desk job. A laptop, expense account, SUV and working with people who aren’t trying to kill me.”
“We don’t work with the enemy.”
“Who even is the fucking enemy, Liam? Haven’t you asked yourself that over and over? We get sent into dangerous terrain like we’re toy fucking soldiers. Many of us don’t return.”
I couldn’t argue.
We sat in that bar that night for a long time, not talking, just drinking. Finally, I turned to him.
“You should take the job.”
“Yup.”
And that was that. He started selling air conditioning units, and I started at BHS.
While he was talking temperatures and remotes, I was busy working on a sex trafficking case with Jake, who is a former US Marshal, and the FBI, which resulted in catching the motherfucker.
Jayden didn’t seem to miss the action and feeling of doing something with purpose. Then again, I know he’s good at hiding his feelings when he wants.
He’s hiding something.
That I know.
Picking up the drone and sliding the tablet into my bag, I head to the weapons area and sign out a Glock.
“See ya later, bitches,” I say, tucking the gun into my waistband and wave out my hand.
“Don’t break the drone!” Travis calls as I push open the door.
“Stop calling them bitches.” Aidan grabs the door from me and grins.
“They love it.” I laugh. As I pass reception, I give Penny a wink. “No muffins today?”
“My grandkids ate them all yesterday.”
I fake gasp. “Double the recipe, Penny. You know we all live for your baking.”
“Consider it my contribution to your diet. Now get out of here. I have one tucked into my purse that I’m going to eat when you’re all gone.”
I chuckle at the over-fifty’s woman we all adore and head out the door. Tossing the drone and bag into the backseat of the Jeep, I leap up into the driver’s seat, start the engine and then do what I’ve been putting off.
I ring Jessie.
“Hello, who is this? I don’t know you, nor are we talking about what happened earlier.” she deadpans.
I almost laugh, but I’m still not over it.
The sight of her perky breasts, tanned skin and bare pussy is something I’ll never forget.
Or those bruises.
I’m not sure if I’m more concerned someone hurt her...or pleasured her.
Either way, Jessie is right, we can’t talk about it.
“Get dressed.” I cringe. “I’m swinging by to pick you up.”
“I didn’t stand around naked, Liam. Christ, do you think I’m a nudist?”
“I’m not answering that. Get changed into whatever you want to wear to do a tour at Warner Bros with Savannah.”
I pull the phone away from my ear as she screams.
“Are you KIDDING ME?”
“No. Be ready in twenty.”
I hang up. Because anymore talk about her being naked is not good for my health.
I adjust my cock, which seems to react to her voice as much as her body, and shake my head.
“Get it together, man.”
It ignores me. As it has been for years.
I’m losing my mind.