Page 54 of No Regrets

Joe grinned, stepped into the office and sat down.

“How did the team do?” Dex asked. Joe had commanded the op from the base rather than deploy with them. It was a quick in and out, with no need to set up a base in country.

“Don’t try and tell me you haven’t spoken to Ryan.”

Dex smiled. “You know I have. Just wondering how you thought they did.”

“They did good. Never had any doubts.”

Neither had Dex. His team was solid, with or without him.

“So, Captain Harrison.” Joe leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.

“What about him?” Dex asked cautiously, unsure where this was going.

“He’s offered you a job.” Not a question but a statement.

“Have you spoken with him?”

“No. But the man doesn’t stick his neck out for someone unless he wants something. Even I know you would be an asset to him. It’s easy to put two and two together. Have you accepted?”

“No.”

Joe raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. “Why not? You were made to lead a team like that.”

“You trying to get rid of me, Joe?” Dex quipped.

“Well, you are a pain in my fucking ass.”

Dex chuckled.

“So, come on. Why haven’t you accepted?”

“Alpha is my team, Joe. I haven’t told Sam no yet, but I can’t imagine working alongside anyone else. Hell, Ryan and I have been together for over ten years. It’s hard to walk away.”

“What I’m hearing is that you plan to stay here, leading Alpha for the rest of your active-duty life. Correct?”

Dex sighed. Was that the plan?

“That doesn’t sound like the Dawson I know, who thrives on a challenge, always wants to do better, be better.”

“Obviously you think I should go for it.”

“Dex, you are a damn fine operator. One of the best I’ve ever worked with. Despite your fuck ups, it’s been an honor for me to lead you and Alpha. You are a born leader, respected not just by your team but also by your peers and superiors. Sam Harrison was exactly the same and look where he is now. You have a lot more to give, to offer, to achieve, that you might not get to do if you stay here with Alpha. This is the golden ticket, Dex, and you won’t get a better mentor than Sam Harrison.”

Joe stood up, looking down at Dex who recognized the “talking to” position, one he’d gotten from his Pops on more than a few occasions.

“I get you love your team. But teams don’t stay together forever; they evolve. People move on. Who knows what the future holds for Alpha. You know as well as I do how quickly things can change. So, in answer to your question, yes, I think you should take it.”

Dex hadn’t been expecting such praise and was speechless. Joe knew him well, knew what he was capable of.

“I’ll give it some serious thought.”

“Good. Because I’m pretty sure an offer like that won’t come around twice.”

Joe went to leave but Dex stood. “Joe, I wanted to ask you about something else.”

“Go, on.” Joe turned back to face him.