Page 192 of Renegade
Her expression morphed from excitement to disappointment. “I’ve gotta work.”
“It’s twenty minutes, babe.” He stepped close, flashed her a smile. “I’d love to take you up with me.”
“I don’t know,” she said.
“My first request got denied,” he said. “Same with my second, but I got a yes on my third.”
She sidled close, caressed his back. “You’re persistent.”
“Hell, yeah.”
“I’ll do it,” she said, a smile spreading across her face.
AT OH-SEVEN-HUNDRED,Greystone flashed his military badge at the gates of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in southwest DC.
Caroline handed Greystone her driver’s license, which he passed to the station guard. They were cleared, and he drove onto the base. As he headed toward aviation, a peace settled into his bones. As much as he liked taking out the bad actors, flying was his sweet spot.
On the drive over, he’d stopped at home to change into his flight suit.
After parking outside the aviation building, they made their way inside.
“Good morning, Commander.” The ensign signing him in glanced at his hair. “Sir, your hair and beard aren’t within regulation.”
“I’m on special assignment.”
The ensign got busy on his computer. “It doesn’t say where.”
Greystone chuffed out a laugh. “No, it doesn’t. Is Commander Jefferson around?”
“He’s in the ready-room.”
After Caroline received a visitor’s badge, Greystone brought her back with him. He knocked on the closed conference room door.
Seconds later, the door swung open and Greystone shot his CO a smile. “Damn good to see you, sir.” Greystone extended his hand.
“There is he!” Jamal replied.
The two men shook hands before Greystone introduced his commanding officer to Caroline.
“Good to meet you,” Jamal said.
“It’s a pleasure,” Caroline replied. “Thanks for allowing me to be here.”
“This guy wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Jamal said. “You ready to fly?”
Caroline cracked a smile. “Definitely.”
Jamal regarded Greystone. “How’s the assignment?”
“Intense, slow going.”
“Time for drills,” Jamal said.
“Let’s do it.”
Jamal brought them into the conference room. Rather than work, Caroline watched as the two men discussed every maneuver Greystone would be performing, while reviewing it on their tablets.
An hour later, Greystone was ready… and eager to jump in the jet.
