“Afternoon, Commander Medina. You sent for me?”
“Come in, Captain.” Train stared critically at the captain who wanted to make the team to follow in his father’s footsteps. “Close the door.”
The soldier followed the order without hesitation, standing at attention until Train told him to have a seat.
“I requested for you to speak to me.” Train immediately brought up the reason for the captain’s visit to his office.
“Permission to speak freely, sir.”
Train didn’t miss that stubborn jaw, nor the hazel eyes staring back at him as he nodded for the captain to continue.
“I received my invitation to join the squad this morning.”
Train gave him a nod. “Congratulations. You will be an asset to the team.”
“If you believe that, then why wasn’t your score on my evaluation?”
Train leaned back in his chair. “It doesn’t matter what my score was. The lowest is always dropped. Your lowest score was a ninety-six. You made the team regardless of me withholding my score.”
“Commander, the team works as a cohesive unit. For that to happen, I would like to know if there is a problem between you and me before I decide to accept the invitation.”
Train’s mouth curled in humor. “There is no problem. You want my score?”
“Yes, sir, I do.”
“Very well.” Train opened his drawer to take out a flash drive. “To be a member of the unit, each member must be able to perform a variety of duties. That’s why becoming a member is so difficult. You have exhibited this skill flawlessly. Actually better than my expectations.” Train set the flash drive down on the desk.
The captain started to pick it up, but Train stopped him.
“You already made the unit. You can leave now and be content that you have fulfilled you and your father’s dreams. You want my score, though, then solve the equations. The information on that drive was hard to find. I had it encrypted. It will take someone who wants to get into it to be able to read it.”
“So, even if I can’t solve the equations, I’m still on the team?”
“Yes.”
The captain gave him a bewildered look. “I don’t understand.”
“Let me make it simple. When I give my word of honor, I keep it, but I’m breaking it for you. I hope you make it worth it. Good afternoon, Captain Cooper.”
The captain stood up, and Train watched as he picked up the flash drive then left, closing the door softly behind him.
“I wish that was one trait Killyama had inherited.”
“Did you enjoy dinner?” Train asked as he parked.
“It was so good that I’m thinking of changing my name to Mrs. T.,” Killyama joked as she got off his motorcycle.
“I never knew it was possible to be jealous of a T-bone.”
“Lover, you don’t have anything to be jealous of.” She used his leather jacket to pull him close for a passionate kiss. “Especially when you taste like A1.”
Laughing, they broke apart when headlight beams hit them as a car pulled into the parking lot.
“Who’s that?” Killyama asked.
Train narrowed his eyes as the occupants got out of the car.
As the man and woman approached, Train put his arm over Killyama’s shoulders.
“Commander Medina,” both of them addressed him as they came to a stop.
“This is my wife … Rae,” Train introduced her as Killyama remained quiet, staring up at him curiously.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the man said as he and the woman held out their hands for her to shake.
After Killyama took their hands, she turned toward Train. “I’ll go and let you—”
“Stay.” Train’s arm tightened around her. “Captain, Sergeant, I see you solved the equation.”
“Yes, sir. You couldn’t give me my score because the unit has a failsafe. No two family members, related by blood, are permitted on the team.”
He felt his wife beginning to tremble under his arm.
“The equation was: you could remain silent about being related to your sister and protect your father’s reputation, or you could get to know her.” Train turned to look at his wife, waiting for her reaction. “Rae, this is Timothy Cooper the Second, and Marilyn Cooper-Smythe. They are your brother and sister.”
Killyama practically buried her face in his jacket, achingly aware she felt inferior to them because of the feelings her father had ingrained in her from birth.
“Sir, no respect, but I’d rather have my sister than a position on your team,” her brother spoke resolutely. “Marilyn and I both would like to get to know Rae, if we may?” His eyes searched Killyama’s.
Killyama straightened, her courage never far away, even when she was overwhelmed. “Are you always going to talk like that?”
Train couldn’t help smiling. “Rae, everyone calls him Boomerang, and your sister, Alice.”