THIS IS IT!
…
Quinn's POV
The next morning, Knox and I both go to OWCA HQ with Mom and Dad. As we're walking there, I turn to my mate and ask, "are you considering joining OWCA?"
"Never in a million years," replies Knox automatically. "Why, are you?"
"Considering," I admit. "But it's a hard choice. I mean, I still do love my peaceful life with you and especially with this little one on the way-." I pat my stomach. "But I can't risk another attack."
"Quinn, that was a one-off."
"Was it, though?" I stop walking, forcing Knox to stop too. I look deep into my mate's eyes. "Knox, living in Bodicote means that I'll be living amongst the OWCA agents. I can't leave Bodicote. Therefore if OWCA's enemies attack the agents, I or you or our child or someone else I care about could be caught in the crossfire. If I joined OWCA, I might be able to stop something like that from happening again."
"If," reminds Knox. "Realistically, how does joining OWCA reduce the chance of that happening again?"
"It doesn't," I admit. "But at least I can help if it ever does."
"Sounds like you've made up your mind," Knox says amusedly. "And there's no going back once Quinn the Platypus has made up her mind."
"Well, I don't know if it's definite yet," I say. "I still need to ask Commander Carl."
"He'll totally say yes," Knox says dismissively. "You know he will. He loves your family."
I chuckle. "I guess he does."
This is it. It's decision time. And I already know what my decision is going to be.
An hour later, Commander Carl has been informed of my decision and he has wished me well.
…
Perry's POV
Quinn has gathered her siblings, their partners, me, Knox, and Priya in the otherwise empty gym. I think she's finally made her decision. She's standing on the lowest gym table so that she can be seen and heard.
"As you all know," begins Quinn, looking rather nervous. "A few days ago, my mentor Alex was killed in an incident at Casa Blanca. On that day, I was given a choice to make: I could join OWCA like I always promised I wouldn't, or I could stick with my peaceful life and risk further attack. I'm here today to tell you that I have made up my mind."
Priya's POV
I'm not entirely sure what I'm hoping for. I just want Quinn to be happy. I know now that Quinn was really affected by Perry and I continually pressuring her to join OWCA so now I believe that Quinn will choose whichever will make her happy.
"So I have decided to join OWCA."
I definitely was not expecting that. Apparently nobody was, judging by the stunned silence and the looks on everybody's faces.
Quinn's POV
They're all staring at me now.
"But not as a field agent," I continue. "Too many agents die or receive life-changing injuries out in the field simply because any medical help they receive is too late. Therefore, I have decided to train as a field medic, whose task is to go out on higher risk missions with larger groups and treat anybody who needs it. Apollo and Commander Carl have both agreed to this. That way, I will still be able to help people but without directly having to fight."
As I step down from the gym table, Knox hugs me tightly. "I think you made the right decision."
"You'll be able to look after our child, right? When I go out on missions?"
"Of course. I'm 100% not joining OWCA."
"And I'll be able to financially support the family," I continue, determined to find every little detail of this arrangement. "And it won't be 24/7 hours."
"Quinn, I'm perfectly happy with this arrangement," Knox says, putting his hands on my shoulders. "I love that you're going to be getting more out of your life and I love that I and our child will be in it too. That's all I ever wanted."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
…
Penultimate chapter over! It may have been short but it was pivotal. Now you know what Quinn's eponymous decision is :)
