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The nurse interrupted our depressing meeting, needing to take my stats and replace a few bandages on my torso. The doctor followed her into the room with updates on the extent of my injuries and the recovery time. My captain’s head dropped at the news since it confirmed everything I already knew; everything I felt deep in my bones. Six months to a year. The doctor didn’t even touch upon the mental recovery. He dropped pamphlets on my side table. Therapists, support groups, recovery hospitals. The doctor rambled about a few other things before he dismissed himself and the nurse, so my captain and I could continue our life-changing conversation. Captain Timmons placed a paper on my lap and before I could even open it, I knew what it would say. I was, once again, left alone in this world of madness. I glanced at my captain, who stood stoically by the side of my hospital bed. His bottom lip trembled with regret.
“I have taken an early retirement,” he informed me.
The botched mission took its toll on more than just my platoon. It broke the chain of command, rank by rank.
“Your service to our country is admirable and appreciated. I wish you all the best in the next phase of your life.”
He swiftly turned and left without looking over his shoulder. I felt like a discarded toy that the dog had torn up, so the men in charge decided the best option was to toss it away and buy new. There were many opportunities to move up in the ranks, and there was always someone right under you, ready to take your spot. Employers didn’t care what your name was. I did so well for myself moving up in the military that it had never occurred to me I would be the person getting the pink slip.
The military gave me the family that I desperately desired… until it didn’t. I went from being Second Lieutenant Adam Verlice to the hollow man lying in this bed. Human in the flesh, but whose soul was now dark, hollow, and void of any promise. My mind fell to the mercy of wicked thoughts that were trying to take the last bit of good that was left in me.
I took the thick, crisp piece of paper from the envelope that was tossed on my lap and opened it. Unfolding it, I saw the formal context of the paper. Two words stuck out like a thorn in my side. Honorably discharged.
Honorably. Discharged.
What was honorable about being the sole survivor of a botched and fucked-up mission? What do I have if I don’t have the service? I crumpled up the paper, throwing it across the room with disgust. Spending so much of my life dedicated to everyone else, I was left with nothing.
Who is Adam Verlice without the rank?
I’ll tell you who the fuck I am.
CHAPTER 1
ADAM
Adam
I sit by the window of her favorite coffee shop, listening to the machines grinding and brewing God’s most desired drink. My black coffee steams as I sniff its delicious scent. Its bold context gives me the courage to approach the most perfect target. I have been waiting for her for the fourth time this week. The door chimes, shifting my attention from the dark roast coffee in my hands to the woman I have been watching for days.
As she walks in, the wood boards creak beneath her black leather heels, and her body shifts anxiously as she waits in line to get her cup of coffee. Chocolate-brown hair falls to the side, while her green eyes and freckles add to the beauty that comes so naturally to her. Her eyes meet mine, and I know she sees me. I know I’m reeling her in. Her smile and her blush every time she tries to covertly look at me give her away. She orders an espresso with light cream, pays, and walks to the other side of the counter, where she waits for her order. Keeping her back to me, I take a moment to appreciate her curves. Matched with a white button-up blouse that is tucked perfectly into her gray pencil skirt, which is paired with the shiny sable heels, she quickly glances over her shoulder at me, and I give my signature smirk. She quickly turns away as her cheeks flush with color, and I know I have finally hooked her. Holding a cup up, the barista calls her name, Reese. It’s Welsh and means glowing or fiery. It fits her perfectly, all flaming hair and a body of a goddess.
Reese takes her drink from the barista’s hand with a sweet thank you and turns around. Our eyes meet once again, and I can tell she’s contemplating coming over. With a decisive nod, she gives in with a stuttered step and walks toward me.
Get it together, Adam. You’ve got this.
“Hey, so I’ve seen you here before. I don’t do this, like ever, but I wanted to say hi.” Reese blushes.
I show my pearly whites and respond, “I’ve seen you as well. It’s nice to meet you in person. I’m John.” She blushes harder, and I motion to the chair in front of me. “Join me?”
Reese looks around with indecision and then looks at her watch.
“You’ll break my heart if you don’t,” I tease, hoping to put her at ease.
She bites that sweet pink lip and sits down. Now you have her, Adam.
“So, do you live nearby?” she asks, shaking her head slightly. “Sorry, where are my manners? I’m Reese, by the way,” she says with a smile while offering me her hand in greeting.
I grasp her smaller, more delicate hand in mine, then let go. “I’m in town for a short time —business.” I wink at her. “So…Reese…?”
“Grafton, I’m Reese Grafton.” She takes a light sip of her hot drink.
“Reese Grafton, what brings you around this neighborhood?” I ask and peer out the window, taking a quick glance at the bus stop across the street. At thirty-five minutes past nine, the bus is late.
“I’m the lead architect on the new building down the street.”
That brings my attention back to her. “The York building?”
She giggles. “Yeah, that surprises many people. Being a woman and all.”
