Page 135 of Lion’s Den

“Then count me in. Rhys?”

“I’m in.”

David turned to Cam. “You interested in working as part of the SAR team and as a deputy?”

Cam turned to Sedona. “What do you think?”

“Do it.”

“I may be gone for days at a time on a SAR mission. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible.”

“Don’t worry. If I get lonely, I’ll bury my sorrows by grading kindergarten paperwork and planning lessons.”

He chuckled, then turned to his boss. “You’ve got a deal, sir.”

David looked pleased. “Great. I have one more thing for you to consider.” He pulled out his phone and tapped one button.

“Yeah, Maddox.”

Cam froze. Brent Maddox, the Fortress Security CEO?

“It’s David Montgomery. You’re on speak with M Team, The Thunderhawks, and Sedona.”

“Understood. Cam, I understand congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“David, have you explained my proposal?”

“No, sir. I thought it might be better if the explanation came from you.”

“Cam, Rhys, Dario, Isaac, and Spencer, my name is Brent Maddox. I’m the CEO of Fortress Security. The reason for the phone call is I’d like to make you an offer of employment.”

“We have jobs, sir,” Cam said.

“I know David planned to offer your team employment. This would be employment with Fortress Security on a mission-by-mission basis. I’ve been looking for a SAR team with the right qualifications and have had zero luck, until you.”

Dario frowned. “What do you mean, hire us on a mission-by-mission basis?”

“You wouldn’t be like the other teams in that they are on deployment rotation. They are on call every other month. The Thunderhawks would only work when I have a SAR mission and only if they all agree to accept the mission.”

“We have the right of refusal?” Cam asked.

“That’s right. I hope to have four or five SAR teams ready to deploy as needed in a few months. The Thunderhawks are the first team under consideration. I hope there will be more soon.”

“How long do we have to consider the offer, sir?”

“How long do you need?”

Dario glanced at his teammates, then said, “We’re ready to roll if you are, Cam. We go in together or not at all.”

“All of you agree?” Cam asked.

Each one nodded.

He turned to Sedona. “You’re the deciding vote, Tiger. We want to join Fortress on a mission-by-mission basis, but if you don’t want me to accept, we’ll turn down the contract.”

“Do it.”