He handed Dakota the mic. “I miss this. I miss you guys, but let’s show Greystone some love.”
Everyone broke into applause for Greystone, who tossed the team an acknowledgment nod.
“Speaking of Greystone,” Teddy said, “let’s give it up for Greystone and Caroline, the dynamic duo.”
The group laughed as the couple made their way over.
“Greystone, finding these monsters wasthatmission for me,” Teddy said. “It haunted me, and I wasn’t gonna stop until I found every last one of them. Thanks for trusting me enough to get it done.”
“Congratulations to Tank for closing out The Day of Destruction,” Greystone said. “You did a great job putting together a team. Kudos to you.”
The team broke into more applause.
“Caroline,” Teddy said. “You were the brains behind the bomb terror plot. Those government buildings would have blown sky high, taking thousands with them. The medalpromised by the President is well deserved. And you saved Greystone’s life. I’m indebted to you for that.”
He shook her hand, gave her a hug.
“Finally, there really was onlyoneperson who could take out these monsters with such exacting precision.” Teddy held up his hand. “I know Jericho Savage is a kick-ass sniper, but I think this Op bested even his skills.” His gaze found Sydney’s and his world fell into place.
“Sydney, please join me.”
Sin gestured for her to stand next to Teddy.
“For those who don’t know, Sydney is on loan to us, but there’s no way we’re letting her go,” Teddy said. “She single-handedly took out eight members of the Haqazzii terror group—all while working another case from her primary job.”
He started applauding, and the team joined in.
When the field grew silent, Teddy continued. “Sydney is one of the country’s most skilled snipers and someone I’d partner with for as long as she’ll continue to work with me—with us.”
“When did you get hiring privileges?” Dakota asked, and the group cracked up.
“Sydney—” Teddy offered her the mic.
She waved it away, but the Ops yelled, “Speech, speech!”
Reluctantly, Sydney took the mic. “I’ve worked alone my entire career. This is way better. I love working with my sis, Caroline, love that I didn’t have to shoulder everything alone. If you ever get the opportunity to work with Tank, grab it. He’s a solid team lead, reliable, calming, and the absolute best.”
“Just tell everyone,” Slash called out.
Sydney peered at up him.
“I’m all-in, but it’s your call,” he murmured.
“Tank asked me to do the forever thing, and I said yes!” Sydney said into the mic.
The group erupted in cheers and hollers of approval. Theyshared a sweet kiss before he said, “And you’re all invited to the wedding.”
After the applause ended, Teddy continued, “In Dakota’s absence, Greystone led our group. It’s an honor to be working alongside you, my brother.”
“Same,” Greystone replied after he took the mic from Teddy.
“It’s been a privilege to step in for Dakota,” Greystone said. “I’m looking forward to his return, so I can climb back into an F-18 and focus on my other job. Thank you for being the best of the best. With that, go home and enjoy time with your families.” Greystone clicked off the mic.
Caroline hugged Sydney. “I’m so happy for you. This is the best news! Have you set a date? Maybe we should plan a double wedding!”
Sydney and Teddy laughed.
“No date,” Sydney said, “but we’ve got plenty-o-time to work out the deets.”
