Page 98 of Rescuing Mia
“Pirates?” Hank guffaws. “Hear that, boys?We bepirates now!”
“Arrr, matey!” Walt puts on a terrible pirate accent. “Ye best be watchin’ yer back, or we’ll be stealin’ yer treasure!”
Hank feigns a pirate’s swagger. “Aye, and there we were, thinking we be the tough ones. Rigel’s leap into the abyss had us questioning our pirate credentials.” Hank leans back and crosses his arms, a mock-serious look on his face before breaking into a wide, approving smile, “Pirate or not, that was something out of legend.”
My face heats with the praise.
The room erupts with laughter, and the story is vividly retold and embellished, then retold again. The others’ expressions range from amused to awe-struck.
The camaraderie between the Charlie team members is palpable. Their relaxed yet animated body language seems to invite me into the fold.
Amidst the banter and playful jabs, I find a moment of connectionwith these men. Their recounting of my unexpected heroics bridges the gap between stranger and friend.
Blake claps as if rounding everybody up for an announcement. “Back in the day, during active duty, we tackled a few missions side by side. Believe me, he’s as reliable as they come.”
Forest, imposing and statuesque, assesses me with a gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. “What he is—reliable aside—is a walking security risk.” His tone carries the weight of his concern.
“He’s a frogman,” Blake quickly interjects, a hint of pride in his voice, challenging Forest’s swift judgment.
A ripple of curiosity passes through the group, their initial reservations giving way to intrigue. Blake, seizing the moment of silence, introduces me to the rest of the room.
“A SEAL, huh?” CJ inquires, his question slicing through the formalities to the heart of my experience. “What class were you in?”
Typical frogman question. The ‘What class were you in’ question is one of those instant judgments. Like a measuring stick, we’re all stuck with. It basically is a way to measure who’s got more experience than the other.
As if that matters.
As the introductions unfold, the room’s sense of wariness turns to curiosity. Forest’s stance is clear, his body language guarded, reflecting his concerns over potential security threats I might pose to their organization.
Though slightly more receptive, CJ mirrors this sentiment. His questions aim to gauge my capabilities and intentions.
Mitzy, however, cuts through the tension with her sharp intellect and open curiosity. She leans forward, her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that suggests she’s already forming plans that could well include my skills.
“Well, isn’t this serendipitous? Don’t ya’ think? Forest? CJ?” She eyes both men. “Here we are, Charlie team a man down, and along comes Rigel, leaping off ships while taking names. It almost makes you wonder if he’s auditioning without us knowing.” Her gaze flickers to me, amusement dancing in her eyes. “He’d make a rather convenient addition, wouldn’t you say?”
Forest opens his mouth to say something, but before he can speak, Mitzy lifts a finger. “Before you say it, I’ve already researched his background and completed the security check. Rigel is the real thing. Perfect, actually.”
“His actions, while unconventional, demonstrate resourcefulness, but we’re not offering him a job. He’s a complication.” Forest isn’t convinced. His stance is firm, even as the room’s atmosphere lightens.
Mitzy shoots back with a grin that could slice through the tension. “Oh, please, Forest, like you’re the gatekeeper of Charlie team’s recruitment. Good thing you’re not in charge of hiring new Guardians, huh?” Her tone drips with mock relief.
Mitzy, undeterred by Forest’s grumbling, turns to Ethan, then lifts a brow and stares at CJ.
“Well, thankfully, it’s not Forest’s call to make, right? We all know CJ’s the one who signs off on Guardian hires, but let’s not forget, ultimately, it’s Ethan’s call if Rigel fits the bill.”
“Um…” I raise my hand like I’m in fucking grade school. “I’m not looking for a job. Not auditioning for anything. Just a guy looking for an adventure.”
Mitzy completely ignores me.
Her gaze flits between the men, a playful yet knowing look in her eyes. “So, how about it, Ethan? Think Forest’s complication has what it takes to join the ranks?”
Blake jumps right in. “Dude, I told you I found a great place to work. If you’d let me know you were getting out, I would’ve set you up for a proper interview.”
Mitzy’s enthusiasm is barely contained. “I have a feeling you’ll fit right in,” she says with a grin, her gaze suggesting she’s already envisioning me as part of their operations.
CJ leans back with a thoughtful expression and finally adds his two cents, nodding slightly in agreement.
“Mitzy has a point. We rarely encounter someone with Rigel’s… Let’s call it, ‘enthusiastic intervention.’ Skills are one thing, but the guts to jump off a ship for a civilian? That’s on another level. Ethan, I think she’s on to something.”