Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68369 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68369 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Oh, but…couldn’t it wait till tomorrow? Although, I was very hungry. After my extremely long shower and exam, I’d brushed my teeth, jumped into a pair of sweats and Bo’s hoodie, and then I’d scarfed down a protein bar on my way to crash in his bed.
“Emerson made his famous chicken stew. With extra butter for the weight y’all lost.”
My stomach snarled.
I’d heard about that stew.
“Is everyone back?” I asked groggily.
“Yeah. Riley got a power nap too. You got five hours, so there’s no reason to complain.”
Five… Five hours?! I lifted my head off the pillow to glare at him. “I’ve averaged two hours a night the past two fucking weeks, you rat bastard.”
“We’re saying the same thing.” He was messing with me. “Rise and shine.”
He grabbed my hand and literally dragged me up, and I’d be pissy with him if he weren’t so affectionate and insistent on keeping me close.
“I haven’t lost that much weight,” I mumbled.
“Nine pounds ain’t nothing, pup. But we’ll get that sorted in a couple of months.” He kissed my temple and kept his arm around me.
I yawned and followed him to the mess hall that seated way more people than I suspected had been here at the same time. I got that they hosted larger groups every now and then, but I couldn’t imagine a scenario in which they flew thirty people up here.
“By the way, your phone’s been going off,” he murmured. “I texted Darius and your aunt Laura just to let them know you were asleep.”
“Oh. Thank you.” I appreciated that. I’d call them tomorrow, including Aunt Laura.
She’d only met Bo and Alex once, but it’d caused a shift of some sort in our relationship. Almost as if the air was clearer. We texted more frequently, at least. And I suspected she was relieved I had a boyfriend. Maybe it took some pressure off her.
Bo and I were the last to enter the mess hall, and the first thing I noticed was how dim the lighting was. There were candles on the tables too. And it smelled great. Like grilled chicken and tomatoes and garlic and herbs and freshly baked bread.
My mouth watered.
Everyone sat together at one long table, with instructors on one side and recruits on the other. So, Bo and I each took a side, and I shared a tired grin with Tanner as I sat down next to him.
“Sorry, we’re late,” Bo said. “It took a moment to get that one out of bed.”
Sure, blame me. Throw me under the bus right away.
Operator Payne rose to his feet and smiled faintly, but I could tell it was a moment of gravity. He turned solemn as he glanced down at us.
“This evening marks the end of your training, and you’re no longer Hillcroft recruits,” he told us. “I’ve had the privilege of observing the journey you’ve taken since last summer, and we are all honored to call you colleagues from here on out.” He put a hand on Rose’s shoulder, and he stood up too.
He cleared his throat. “Em’s right. It’s been a privilege. I’m proud of how far y’all’ve come.” He accepted a printout from Coach. “In times like these, I sometimes wish this ceremony were a bit grander—but we use it as a reminder instead. Your careers will bring you long hours, spikes of adrenaline, bouts of incredible boredom, worry, determination, happiness, and relief. And rarely anything grand.”
We knew that part. No medals, no recognition.
“Nevertheless, this moment is significant,” he went on. “I want you all to stand up and, for the first time, recite the Hillcroft Operator’s Creed as new operators.”
I let out a breath and stood up, and I had to admit I felt a little nervous. Grand or not, Rose was right. This was significant. This was what we’d trained so hard for.
Poor Miguel was missing out! I hoped they spoiled him at the hospital in Quito.
Coach took the lead, and the rest of us chimed in.
We serve in silence
We serve without names
We wear no insignia
We show no fear
We could be the last you’ll ever see
The ones who protect
Those who bring destruction
Or the ones you’ll never know
If you know our history
You’re one of us
If you know our history
You’re one of few
We will never underestimate a foe
Or surrender to him
We will never be alone
Even when we’re on our own
We will not seek glory
But we will be victorious
Because we are operators of the griffin
And what we’ve started, we shall finish
Holy fuck, this was happening right now. I locked eyes with Bo across the table, and he sent me a subtle wink.
I bit my lip.
Riggs spoke up next. “We hereby declare that the remaining recruits of this year’s training are junior operators with the Hillcroft Group, and you all have appointments with HR on Wednesday at oh-nine-hundred to get your operator numbers and sign your contracts. After that, you have two weeks off before you’re officially on active duty and can be called in for your first assignment.” He nodded for Rose to take over again.