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Chapter 14

A Force of Four

Tuesday – 1900 hours

It had been three weeks since Elvis was given the order to escalate CT training and get his unit together. Fortunately his CO authorized his request to bring his former lads back together. One by one they made their way to Hereford, each bringing their respective skills. When they were together, they were a formidable force. Every single day from dawn until dusk the four of them were hard at work. Drill after drill, honing their physical endurance and running through the scenarios they may very well encounter down the road. They were focused on speed, aggression and surprise.

Elvis, Spanner, Jackson and Spunky spent days on end at the "killing house" firing incredible amounts of live ammunition. Their reaction times drilled down to less than seconds. The Command Center did not know the exact location of the imminent attack but all of the operatives knew the identity of the enemy. Intelligence had picked up on movements and were aware he had gained access into the UK. This was all highly classified of course. Only the CT operatives knew the specific details. The atmosphere at Hereford HQ was tense. Georgie felt it. Her medical unit was training in over drive, each procedure and protocol becoming second nature. She rarely saw Elvis. He was so deeply embedded in his own training. He was virtually in combat mode.

For the time they were able to share alone together he was quiet. Georgie knew she could not press him for information. He could not and would not tell her and frankly, it was best that she did not know. They all had one small reprieve this evening however. Elvis and Georgie had the lads over for dinner. Elvis and his boys needed some precious down time. Moments like this were as important as the intense exercises they were involved in. It was no surprise they had Italian and Elvis was relieved he had sauce in the freezer because he did not have time for much else.

They all joined around the table, cramped thought they were, in the small flat and talked about everything but the mission. The lads wanted to know how Georgie was getting on and gave her the business about Peters. "Ya know he's full of shit Georgie," Jackson said. "From about the very first moment," Georgie replied. They all laughed. "Hey boss!" Jackson went on to say, "We're missin someone." All eyes went from Jackson to Elvis. "Meanin?" Elvis said quizzically. Jackson eyed Spanner. "Five foot two, short blond hair, delivers a mean kick!" Spunky said. Spanner's cheeks deepened a shade. "Ahhh, about that one," Elvis said sitting back in his chair, "Wasn't free tonight." Although Georgie knew where the conversation was heading because Elvis had brought her up to speed on some of the team's foibles, she was standing behind Elvis and gave him a good poke in his back. "Oi!" He complained good naturedly. "What's goin on?" She said tousling Elvis' hair and looking at each of the other three. "Spanner's got an admirer," Jackson said swirling the wine in his glass. Spanner suddenly hoped his beard covered most of his embarrassment. "Sounds like Toni," Georgie said, "Is that who it is?" "The same," Elvis said putting his hand up to wipe the smirk off of his face. "I did ask 'er," Elvis went on to say and laughed as he dodged a balled up napkin thrown his way.

"Fuck sake!" Spanner hissed under his breath. "Wha?" Ya said ya liked 'er!" Elvis went on to say. Spanner gave him a withering look. "When did ya know for sure Spans?" Spunky asked. "Before or after the kick?" "He was too dazed after, lying on the mat like he was," Jackson said, now the recipient of a comically harsh expression shot his way. "When did this happen?" Georgie asked not knowing the complete details at this point. She sat down next to Elvis. "Some unarmed combat trainin a while back when I was 'ere with the canine unit," Elvis answered. "I 'ad a front row seat!" he added grinning. "Go on! Have yer fun!" Spanner said. "Wha? You're not avin any?" Elvis said knowingly, and unexpectedly received a kick of his own under the table from Georgie. He jumped slightly at the impact and looked at her. "I want to hear all about it. Go on Spanner," Georgie said placing her elbows on the table and interlacing her fingers. Spanner grinned at her and as he was about to open his mouth, "It was a dark and stormy afternoon…" Spunky interjected with dramatic flare. "Fuckin arse!" Spanner said. "Pipe down Spunks, I hear cupid's harp," Jackson said pouring everyone another glass of wine.

Spanner was able to finally relay how the petite martial arts expert slammed her foot soundly against his chest and sent him arse over tit across the mat. They all roared. "Ya were a bit airborne mate!" Elvis said laughing. "Yeah, definitely!" Jackson added. Total glee erupted. Georgie looked at Elvis. "So she really couldn't make it tonight?" "Nah. She's actually workin with the other unit. We're up in a day or two." "Are there any seats left?" Georgie asked with a grin. "Steady on medic!" Elvis said, "This is serious trainin." "Oh, I'm sure. Ya better not get yourself tossed into an ambulance!" Elvis pulled a face. "Ain't off duty married life great boss?" Spanner joked. "Can be!" Elvis threw back grinning broadly at Georgie. "Wipe that smile off your face!" She said scooting her chair back and standing up. Elvis did not hold back his laughter. He knew the two of them were playing with each other and he so needed some humor. They all did really.

Having a chance to unwind and get on like a family was just as important as the grueling hours they were all engaged in. These men were so well meshed together they could practically anticipate the other's next thought. It had to be that way. No chance for doubt or error.

Elvis' phone pinged loudly. Everyone in the room froze. Georgie was certain her heart stopped at least once. Elvis stood up and acknowledged the caller. He turned and walked away from the table. Georgie's eyes followed him and the three men at the table watched her, exchanging glances with one another. Georgie suddenly felt like she needed to move and started gathering dishes. Every once in a while she glanced over towards Elvis. "He's the best Georgie, that's why they want him," Jackson said. "I know." She said. " That's what scares me."