CHAPTER THREE

Jesse left the contract signing feeling a little unnerved and she didn't know why. She was glad she wouldn't be held responsible for any injuries incurred while training. She knew it was inevitable especially right up front before she earned a name for herself, and everyone respected her ability.

Sometimes she had to prove herself though being a smaller woman. Especially against younger men. She wasn't old by any means, just in her late thirties, but younger men were always cocky and couldn't believe it when a woman of her stature could take them down so easily.

She had no idea what to do to kill the time before she was to meet Tex for dinner, so she went back to her hotel room. She laid on the bed and tried to shake her thoughts. For some reason she was thinking about the Admiral. She shook her head and stretched out on the bed. At least she had secured employment for the foreseeable future.

She decided to take a nap and clear her head before meeting up with Tex. When she woke up, she took a quick shower and fixed her short hair, threw on a pair a jeans and a loose t-shirt. She was ready to go when she heard a knock on her door. She opened it up to see Tex looking at her.

"Ready, Princess?" Tex asked. Jesse felt like punching him but settled for a scowl instead. Tex laughed. "Come on, let's get some grub."

"I hear that, what you in the mood for?"

"Bar food," Tex said with a smile. Jesse nodded and followed him out of the hotel. They walked a few blocks and Tex pointed to a door. Tex went in and Jesse followed him. They came into a dark room with very low lighting. Tex walked up to the bar and took a stool, Jesse plopping down next to him. They ordered food and waited. Jesse was staring at her hands.

"Something on your mind?" Tex asked.

"Not really," she said noncommittally. Tex leaned over and bumped her shoulder with his.

"Liar," he whispered. Their food arrived and Jesse started to eat her burger. Tex was quiet a while as he ate his food. But before long he was back on her. "Come on. I know you ain't got a lot of friends, so talk to me."

"Thanks, Asshole," Jesse said with a chuckle.

"Well, how many friends you got?"

"Aside from you?" she asked.

"Aside from me?" he replied.

"Well, even countin' you I'm still at zero," she said with a smile.

"Ouch," Tex chuckled. "Seriously. What's on your mind, Second Place?"

"Honestly, really nothing much. Just thinking about the job coming up."

"And?"

"Just worried I'm gonna have to hurt someone to gain respect. I don't think those other guys you brought in even think I'm gonna be able to teach hand to hand."

"Ain't none of them seen you fight like I have. I'm terrified to go against you," Tex said then took the final bite of his burger.

"Ha. I don't think Slattery thought too much of me either."

"Don't worry. Your abilities will speak louder than any words. You got this. Out of all the guys I recruited, you're the one I wanted the most."

"Flattery," Jesse said wrinkling her face up. Tex laughed.

"You know you like it," he said leaning over and bumping shoulders again. "Listen, you got more skill than anyone I've ever fought next to."

"So, you served next to Slattery?"

"I did. And Chandler and the rest of the Nathan James infamous crew."

"How was that like?"

"It was an adventure. They were a great group to serve with. Now my daughter is flying helos in the Navy."

"That's what Kat is doing?" Jesse asked.

"Yep. She's hooked. I worry about her all the time. But she's serving with a good crew. You got any body left?"

"No," Jesse said the pang of grief hitting her again. She had told him about her family, but she hadn't mentioned that she had lost a husband and a baby he didn't even know about.

"You still got me," he said with a smile.

"Consolation prize," she said with a laugh. Tex mocked hurt, then smiled.

"Perfect for Second Place," he laughed. She laughed with him.

"I'm glad we reconnected. And I'm glad you'll be there for this job."

"Likewise, Kiddo. Just let me know if you're taking grief from anyone. I'll green light you," he said with a wink. She laughed.

"Green light me, huh?"

"Well, if we need to bust a head or two to gain respect," he said with a shrug. "Then we bust a head or two. You got tomorrow off, but then we should be meeting our new meat."

"I think I'll take it easy then. How far are the barracks from here?"

"A couple miles. We'll all be moving over there once training starts so enjoy the nice hotel tonight and tomorrow night. After that we move into the barracks."

"Oh joy," Jesse said with a sigh. Tex laughed.

"It won't be that bad," Tex replied. Jesse smiled. "Better than cramped on a ship."

"Right. How was that?"

"The views were great; the space was small. The people were wonderful."

"Would you do it again?"

"Probably not," Tex said with a chuckle. Jesse smiled. "I'm too old for that kind of shit. But I'll train the boys and girls that want to do that shit."

"Sounds good to me," Jesse said. "I'm heading to the gym after this, want to come work out with me?"

"Does this include sparing?"

"Not if you don't want it too," Jesse said with a smile. "I'll punch a bag for a bit unless you want to scrap."

"I don't even want to hold a bag for you let alone scrap with you," Tex chuckled. "Unfortunately, I have plans tonight already."

"Understand. I'll catch up with you when we head to the barracks then."

"If you want company for dinner tomorrow hit me up," Tex replied.

"Will do," Jesse said standing up and dropping money next to the check. Tex stood up and held his arms out and Jesse stepped into his hug. It felt good to be hugged.

"It's gonna be good, okay?" Tex said as he released her, and she nodded with a tight-lipped smile.

"Yeah. See ya in a couple days," she replied, clapped him on the shoulder and then walked out of the bar back to her hotel.

To Be Continued…