The Hints

Nicholas leans over the desk, emphasizing his following words to ensure he is clear. “You understand what you will be giving up by joining the house? Relationships are next to impossible; secrets are your life; twelve to fourteen-hour shifts are not unusual and in rough elements. The house and team will become your family. I treat my men well. I haven’t had a complaint yet.”

Jayvie sits up a little straighter. “I understand, sir. I’ve always been interested in Guardians. I know what I will sacrifice, but I don’t have much to lose. My only family was my father, who passed away two months ago. I have no ties. I’m a shadow already.”

Nicholas knows about Jayvie’s father and how he drowned off their fishing boat, but never once does Jayvie bring it up or use it as an excuse, and that’s a damn good quality in a man.

He’s tough and can control his emotions. Jayvie is a perfect match for Guardians.

“Pack your bags, Jayvie. We leave in an hour.”

The smile on Jayvie’s face is enough to lighten anyone’s mood. He grabs his bag and jumps up, holding his hand for a shake. “Thank you, Colonel. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.”

Jayvie leaves just as Bert, number fifty-nine, is about to knock on the door. Puzzled, he glances at his phone before quickly tucking it away and standing at attention.

Nicholas tells him to sit as he opens his file and looks over the paperwork. He knows he is a true candidate across the board. He’s the one Nicholas has had his eye on from day one.

Bert is made for Guardians, but there is still something that niggles at Nicholas. “Bert, I’m sure you got wind that I’ve been looking to recruit a man for my house.”

“I have.” He leans back in his chair, looking confident, which irks Nicholas slightly. Yohan was cocky.

“But there has to be trust.” Nicholas watches as tiny beads of sweat break out across his upper lip. “Do you feel you are trustworthy?”

“I-I do,” he stumbles. “You’ve seen my chart. I’ve passed everything with flying colors. I haven’t failed one test you’ve thrown at me.”

“I’m not questioning your physical strength or your ability. That we know. I’m talking about trust. If there’s no trust, then there’s no team. No team means there’s no job.”

“You can trust me.” The words come out, leaving Nicholas uneasy. Something feels off. He’s been around long enough to go with his gut, and right now, it’s screaming at him to cut Bert loose.

“Then why did you swim by Corporal Jayvie while he helped Pipes finish the drill? He’s not nearly the swimmer you are.”

He leans back in his seat and crosses his arms. “You get don’t stats like that,” he points to his file, “picking up the weak.”

Nicholas clamps down on his tongue, thanking his gut and letting a few quiet seconds go by as he studies Bert’s face. “Well, thanks for being honest, Bert. Now it’s my turn. I don’t think you’re the right fit for Guardians.”

Bert’s face falls; clearly, this is not what he expected.

“Colonel, can you give me a chance? I’ll do anything. Let me come to the house, and I’ll prove it.” Bert looks almost panicky. Nicholas runs Bert’s words over in his head.

“I’m sorry, Bert, but I’m firm on my decision. Now,” Nicholas stands and collects his things, “I have to go. Take care, Bert. You’re a good soldier. You’ll do well.”

The boots squeaking has Nicholas whipping around, ready to fight, but he sees Bert charging Jayvie instead.

“You ruined it for me!” Bert screams, his face blazing red and the vein in his neck popping out.

Jayvie shakes his head but raises his hands in surrender, knowing better than to swing back. Fighting each other is forbidden during training, and Bert screwed any chance he had in Nicholas’s unit or anyone else’s. This confirms he’s a hothead and loose cannon.

Nicholas hauls Bert to his feet and slams him into the wall with a finger in his face. “Pack your bags and wait for the call. You don’t belong at Camp Blue Water.”

Bert’s chest heaves as he tries to swallow whatever he wants to say. Nicholas motions for Jayvie to follow.

A few of his buddies congratulate him before he holds the door for Nicholas. Respectful. Yeah, Nicholas knows he has made the right decision.

They drive directly to Jack’s, unable to take him to the house until all the documents have been signed. Gregory has to review the contracts, have Jayvie sign the NDA, and be sure he fully understands what is expected of him.

Jayvie is book-smart and asks all the right questions. The longer Nicholas spends time with him, the more he feels good about his choice.

Gregory briefly questions Jayvie on the altercation with Bert and shoots Nicholas a look that means Bert will be evaluated and might be dropped down to basic training. He is a damn good soldier but needs to get his head back on straight.

“Can I get you anything else?” The host, Alex, comes over, holding a water pitcher and refilling their glasses.

“No, thanks.” Gregory covers his glass with his hand, indicating he doesn’t want any more. “Just let Jack know we’re leaving, please.”

“Sure, he should be done with Coleen's paperwork by now.”

Nicholas’s head snaps up at the use of Eloise’s cover name. “What?”

Adam nods and picks up a plate, balancing it in his hand. “Yeah, he spent a good hour with her earlier this afternoon. I’m not sure why, but you know Jack. He’s like a vault. Anyway, she and your mother left about two hours ago, saying they needed to meet someone.”

A smile breaks along his lips. “So pretty and sweet with just the right mixture of sexy…man, what a combo.” He whistles as he leaves the table, missing Nicholas’s death look.

“I hope he was talking about Coleen.” Gregory snorts, making Jayvie crack up. Even Nicholas smiles, but only for a moment. He is confused.

What the hell is going on?