“Not quite. I wanted to talk to you about going out to California next week.”
I tried to maintain a neutral expression. The fact that he wanted to send me to California could mean any number of things, from a training opportunity to a chat with Jackson—the founder of Cole Security Forces. Actually, I had no clue what it meant. “Sure.”
“Igloo Books is hosting a panel on the Spines for Soldiers program. They want feedback on what’s working, and I think they’re hoping for some good publicity. What would you think about attending?”
“You’re kidding?” I choked out, wondering why Olivia hadn’t mentioned it. Though maybe she wasn’t in charge of the panel.
He shook his head. “Is that something you’d be interested in?”
I tried to hold back my smile. A free trip to California? Hell yeah! “Absolutely. The program has been very helpful, and I’d be happy to speak about it.”
And meet Olivia. Oh god, I couldn’t wait to meet her.
“Would it also be possible for me to use some leave to extend my trip? I’d like to stay through the following weekend, if possible.”
He shuffled some papers on his desk. “That was the other thing I wanted to discuss. The ambassador is threatening to sue Cole Security.”
I stared at him, mouth agape. “You’re fucking kidding me.”
He shook his head, massaging his temples. “I wish I were. Which is why your vacation request comes at a good time.”
Now his request for me to attend the Spines for Soldiers event made sense. He was trying to get rid of me—at least temporarily. I sagged in my chair, afraid to ask what this meant for the future. But I didn’t have to wonder long.
“It’s bullshit, and we will do whatever we can to fight it,” he said.
“What about the fact that his son was beating his wife and child?”
“We don’t have any proof,” he sighed.
“I do. I could testify against him.” It wouldn’t be the first time I’d testified against someone.
He shook his head. “It’s not that simple. You’re—you wouldn’t be seen as reliable. Trust me,” he added. “I’ve already talked to Gretchen about it.”
I hung my head. If he’d gotten Gretchen involved, this was serious. She was a badass attorney who helped Cole out from time to time. “Shit. I’m sorry, Mark.”
I wasn’t sorry I’d hit the bastard, but I was sorry for how it was affecting Cole Security. And the impact it was having on my friends, my brothers.
“He had it coming.” Mark met my eyes, his voice steely.
“Still,” I said, trying to sort through the options. At the moment, I only saw one. “I think I should resign.”
I didn’t like it. Didn’t want to. But if that was what needed to be done, I would.
“Fuck no.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The guy’s a pompous ass, and we never should’ve taken him on as a client. Charlie and some of our other assets are looking into leverage.”
I nodded. “I appreciate that, but…”
Mark leaned forward. “It’s not going to come to that.”
I nodded, hoping he was right.
He rubbed his temples, and I sensed he had more to say. “Is everything good between you and Decker?”
I cursed under my breath, even as I tried to maintain a neutral expression. Fucking SEALs—they gossiped more than a group of women.
“Nothing we can’t handle.”
He gave me a terse nod. “Good. If Aaron and Liam could sort out their shit about Natalie, the two of you sure as hell can too.”
