Chapter 17 #2
“If you guessed intelligence analysis, you’d be right,” Ashlin replied with a smile. “We’d better get down to the conference room. We have to finalize everything so we can give our report to Katlin this afternoon at three.”
As soon as they stepped into the secure room, Clint scanned the new satellite pictures on the screens that covered every wall except the one with obscured windows, which they kept blurred, so no one from the outside could see them.
While everyone got coffee or their caffeine of choice, all ten team members strolled around the room, observing the new photographs.
Before they had time to even sit down, Katlin strode into the room. “Does anyone see anything in these new satellite pictures that is going to change your plans?”
Everyone stared at Kayla and Clint, who stared at each other for a few seconds before returning their attention to Katlin. “No, ma’am,” they said in unison.
“I know I told you we would meet at three o’clock this afternoon, but if you’re ready, I’d like to hear your plans, now.”
A moment of panic ran through Clint. Usually, he would have his team brief him on any upcoming mission, allowing him to poke holes in it and play devil’s advocate.
They obviously weren’t going to get to do that today.
He glanced at Kayla once again and gave her a small nod before she turned her attention back to her boss.
“We had hoped to practice our presentation, but we have confidence in our plans.” Clint watched her gaze sweep the table. Every group nodded.
Katlin sat down in an empty seat and ordered, “Let’s begin.”
Between the ten of them, every team member presented some aspect of the mission with confidence.
Near noon, Katlin stood up and announced, “This sounds like a solid plan. I see that it includes the new Black Swan helicopter. Have you considered who you want to contract to bring it to Montana?”
Clint stood up. “My brother, Van Riggs, has our converted C-5 here in the States. Since Homeland has used him and that particular airplane several times, I’m positive he’s completely vetted. Besides, Van has already seen the aircraft in question.
“Oh, yeah, that’s right.” Kat smiled at the women who worked for her every day. “My Ladies had to stop to refuel at your father’s base. Next time you talk to him, tell them I said he’s welcome.”
Clint lifted one eyebrow.
Katlin smiled as though she knew the secret he didn’t. It bumped him to the head of the line with a certain aircraft company. He should be receiving his test model within a few weeks.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Van is going to be thrilled to hear that.” Clint smiled at Katlin. Maybe he’d just wait until the perfect time to tell Van about his new helicopter.
If you approve, please send the standard contract to the Riggs Corporation. I’ll be sure everything gets approved within hours.”
“Perfect. They’ll receive one before you’re done with lunch.
” Katlin’s gaze swept the table. “I’m very pleased with the way your teams have melded together.
I have high expectations for the ten of you.
Get some lunch. Enjoy your weekend. You will all be flying in the Black Swan jet.
I want you in the sky shortly after dark on Sunday.
You need to be on the ground in Montana before twilight on Monday. ”
Katlin moved to the door. Before opening it, she gave the combined team one last look. “Enjoy your weekend. It might be the last R and R you get for a while.” With that ominous warning, their boss walked out of the conference room.
The food service people must’ve been waiting in the hall because as soon as she left, they brought in what Clint thought of as enough food to feed an army.
His army, which for the first time in his life included men and women under a shared command.
And for another first, he’d be working with his wife.
He glanced over at Ashlin, who was in a deep conversation with Piper.
His heart warmed as he saw her in Lady Tiger mode.
She was remarkable. He was actually excited to see these women in action.
He had often worked with Xena and her team of men, but working side-by-side with Ashlin was going to be different.
When they were setting up lunch, Clint reached into the refrigerator for a soda. His private cell phone rang, the one only his family had. He fished it out of his pocket but didn’t recognize the number. The caller ID said it was from Texas. Maybe Theodora had a problem and had switched numbers.
“Clint Riggs,” he answered with his usual greeting.
“You promised to protect Theodora and her baby.” Kimmy’s voice screamed through Clint’s phone.
He automatically jerked the cell away from his ear, but before he could get a word in, she continued, “Theodora depends on you, and you’ve already let her down.”
He had no plans of taking care of her forever.
He’d set her up with a car, a home, money, and medical care.
What else did she and the baby need? He had never planned on settling near Theodora or in Texas.
He was based out of Ethiopia. He ran one of his father’s companies out of Ethiopia. His family lived in Ethiopia.
“Kimmy, please take a deep breath.” Clint used his most soothing tone. “Kimmy, I need you to calm down.” Her normal high-pitched voice was irritating enough to him, but her screaming was even worse. It was an octave higher.
“I’m not going to fucking calm down when my daughter is in the hospital and has almost lost the baby.”