Good day everyone!

Thank you readers and thank you

for the kind reviews and comments x

Chapter 4

In the Line of Duty

Two weeks later…..

1045 – Hereford, UK

Elvis had been summoned by his commanding officer for a meet up. He was five weeks back at Hereford and ready to engage a new round of Selection recruits. It had been a busy time, what with the Christmas season and all, and of course, the discovery that Georgie was pregnant. The couple were still trying to get back to a normal life, whatever that was. Elvis still experienced an intermittent headache but they were subtle and less intrusive. He suspected his CO wanted to touch base on the upcoming events. Colonel Jonathan Godfrey anticipated the captain's knock at the door.

"It's open!" Godfrey bellowed. Elvis entered with a respectful salute. "Good to see you Elivs. Have a seat." The colonel logged out of his computer and gave his captain his full attention.

"Well, congratulations are in order I believe. You two are expecting."

Elvis smiled settling into his seat. "Yes sir. Thank you sir."

"Back to task then?" Godfrey asked, watching Elvis' reaction.

"Yes sir. Just waitin for range clearances."

Godfrey cleared his throat. "I know we have discussed it before, but your work in the field is exceptional. Well done this go round in Afghanistan."

"Thank you sir."

"Now. Tell me, you are feeling sharp and up to speed considering your injuries?"

Elvis wondered where this was coming from five weeks in, but he reckoned the question would continue to surface for a bit. "Yes sir. My skills are on mark and my recent fitness test was well met." There was a pause…. A small one, but Elvis felt it.

"It's damn good to have you back Elvis."

"Likewise sir. It's good to be back." Elvis nodded.

"I see we will be ready to launch phase one of Selection shortly." Godfrey said sniffing loudly.

"Yes sir. The acceptance notices were sent out."

Godfrey placed his elbows on the desk top and leaned in. "The Mrs. and I were out to dinner with Wes Jones this past Saturday. It appears that you made quite an impression."

Elvis' expression was casual….he knew where this was heading but he remained silent. Godfrey realized he was on his own here and sat back, clasping his hands and tapping his thumbs together. "Wes reckons you worked his nephew over pretty good."

"Pretty good or pretty bad sir?" Elvis asked. He could care less what Colonel Wesley Jones, the uncle, thought of his tactics.

"You tell me."

"I was effective." Elvis said firmly.

Godfrey grunted. "Jones feels you crossed the line."

Elvis blinked. "Wha' line is that sir?"

"It was an interview Elvis, not an interrogation."

"It was vetting a candidate for Selection sir."

"Understood. But you reportedly threatened to have him dismissed!"

Elvis uttered a short wheeze of laughter. "Did the colonel also get a report on wha' I was wearin?"

Godfrey grinned at that, but said, "Steady on there…."

"Beggin your pardon sir, but is this a reprimand?"

"Not entirely. No."

"Not entirely sir? Then wha' is it exactly sir?" Elvis was becoming agitated. Just spit it out he thought. Godfrey gave him a weary look.

"We are having a conversation. I am simply pointing out that you ruffled some feathers."

"I was doin my job! Sir."

"I know you were, but Wes feels differently."

Elvis wagged his head and smiled grimly. "Sir, wha's Lance Corporal Adam Jones gonna do when the enemy's got him by the short hairs…ring up his Uncle Wes?!"

"Elvis!" Godfrey said but fought to remain stoic.

"Sir, I've been on the receivin end of an enemy that hates us. They don't give a shit who you're related to. If this bloke can't handle friendly fire then he will never make it! And….he could potentially jeopardize his team!"

"Look! I know that!" But I do not want to hear anything more about Jones' nephew. The brat has a shopping list of pain the arses pushing him through for shit's sake!"

"Roger 'at!" Elvis said fiercely tapping the wooden arms of his chair. "So wha' am I suppose to do? Hand him his beret now and call it a day sir?"

"Fuck no you're not!" Godfrey said half spitting and standing briskly. The two stared at each other. Elvis was frustrated and doing everything he could to keep his mouth shut, knowing he had quite the gob. In his mind he was thinking, I do not fuckin believe this! He thought he was doing his duty.

"Elvis, you're one of the best here. We need seasoned officers such as yourself on the Directing Staff. Don't let this twit fuck things up."

"Meanin sir?"

"I do not, I say again, do not want Wes Jones poking his pencil-tipped nose around here!"

"Well why would he do 'at sir?"

"You're a critical thinker….sort it out."

After a few beats and several fuck sakes under his breath, Elvis' eyes targeted his CO.

"I take it you copy?" Godfrey said, seemingly relieved Harte would not continue to protest. "To willfully change the subject Elvis, Dave Warner sends his regards."

Elvis' brows lifted. "Oi,eh? How is he then?"

"Anxious to end his tour I quite imagine."

"Good man 'at one." Elvis said.

Godfrey nodded in agreement. "He may be positioning at the MoD upon his return to the UK."

"Seriously? He runs a tight FOB." Elvis said swiping his hair back surprised Warner would give up active duty. "He's an asset in the field sir."

"As were you." Godfrey said. The comment struck Elvis. He felt it…deep in his core.