Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“Let me guess, he wants you working full time in intelligence,” I stated.
River nodded minutely. “But honestly, I’m really into it.”
Yeah, that wasn’t a surprise.
“And I assume you won’t go to Ecuador without your brother,” I said to Reese.
He shook his head. “No, sir.”
Fair enough. I knew that was their one stipulation, and I respected that.
“The question is, what I can do in the meantime,” Reese said. “The way TJ, Mr. Daniels, and River have discussed his schedule, he’ll be busy with studies for at least a year—maybe more. They wanna send him to London for a bit too.”
“We already asked to make sure Reese can come with me,” River clarified.
I’ll be damned.
I took another breath and nodded slowly, realizing that Terrance was going all in. He wasn’t merely recruiting next-gen operators; he was recruiting the next management. He wanted River in charge in one way or another. Possibly Reese too. I didn’t know. What I did know… River was likely to get sent to every friend Terrance had in other agencies and sectors. Contacts at MI6, the CIA, presumably Mossad at some point. Just to learn, observe, and exchange knowledge.
First things first. “Have you boys made it crystal clear to the higher-ups that you wanna be field operators?” I asked. “Because if not, chances are they’ll wanna mold you into management suits.”
“Oh, we’ve been very clear,” Reese stated. “It’s the whole reason we’re here—and I told Mr. Daniels that bluntly.”
“A little too bluntly,” River replied wryly.
“The man needed to hear it,” Reese said with a shrug.
I believed him.
But good for them. “In that case, there’s room to shake ’em down a bit,” I said. “If they’re investing in either of you—or both—to this degree, it means they want you long-term.” I looked to Reese. “You’re, of course, welcome to stay with me for as long as you want, but this is the perfect moment for you to request your own condo in this building. Terrance will give it to you.” I paused. “You’ve also advanced far enough to be given a side gig. You could get practical experience by working security or be an intel courier locally. There’s decent money in that.”
He seemed to perk up at that, and he glanced over at River. “That doesn’t sound bad. I can continue my physical trainin’ and work part time while you get lost in more books than can fit in a library.”
I snorted softly. “Reese, you also need to study a lot.”
He scowled. “I know.”
I lifted a brow at River. “You okay with this?”
He chewed on the corner of his lip and nodded. “It’s a load off. I wanna get the physical training too, but it helps if we get an extra year.”
Yeah, no doubt.
“Then it’s settled. If you’re happy, I’m happy,” I said. “I wanna be there when you meet with Terrance next time. I’ll make sure you get what you’ve earned.”
If they were going to dedicate themselves fully to the agency on that level, they deserved proper compensation.
“Thanks. We appreciate it,” River murmured. “Do all recruits graduate within a year?”
“Maybe half and some change,” I replied thoughtfully. It wasn’t black-and-white, and I had to explain it. “Getting the operator title doesn’t mean you’re done. Danny’s probably gonna graduate with a top score—but with a requirement to advance in some fields. Ultimately, we want everyone to be specialists in one or two fields, and it’s common for operators to pursue that after graduation. And in the meantime, you’re qualified to take on assignments suited to your skill set. Make sense?”
They nodded.
“Good. You take the time you need, River,” I told him. “I don’t care if it’s one year or three. Chances are you’ll set the bar high, so by the time they drop you two somewhere, you’ll need to be fully prepared.”
They looked at each other, undoubtedly feeling the gravity of their future responsibilities.
I believed in them, though. Reese would probably get impatient here and there; he shared that trait with Danny, but it would work for them in the long run to do the work before taking on the final selection in Ecuador.
“Get some rest, boys,” I said. “We can talk more tomorrow.”
“Right. Goodnight, sir,” Reese answered.
“Night,” River yawned.
This might actually work out for the best. As I returned to my room, I made a mental note to schedule an appointment with Terrance tomorrow.
I heard Danny in the bathroom. Humming to himself.
I smiled and opened the door wider.
My boy was happy and brushing his teeth.
He turned to me, toothpaste dribbling down his bruised chin, and grinned.
Just like that, work shit disappeared, and it was just him and me.
“You still high on adrenaline?” I chuckled.
He shook his head and spat out some toothpaste in the sink. “I’m high on youuuu.”
My heart.
That was it. The final straw.
I couldn’t wait another minute. It was physically impossible. I walked over to him and took over, grabbing the toothbrush from him. He had to be careful with those cuts and bruises. Reese had still gotten him good a few times.