“How many applicants?” Myles asked.
“I believe we’ll have about eight who signed up,” Declan answered. He turned his chair around to face the room.
Eight wasn’t a bad number. Not all would survive the rigorous workout. If any of the people made it through the day, they would have the chance to progress. The second part of applying for SWAT was an interview in which they had to be invited.
Each member of the team would be responsible for assessing every applicant. The person would have to be chosen to interview with Mac and Dec. If they passed them, then the person would move up the chain of command before a decision would be made.
“Anything special you need from us, Myles?” Mac inquired.
“Just for everyone to stay sharp when observing the applicants. We’re going to go through the regular drills. Let’s have some fun and hopefully find our newest member.” Myles glanced around the room.
It didn’t need to be said that they were choosing another member of their clan. Most people didn’t get to choose who was part of their family. This was the one time they could. This person would be someone who’d have to be the best at everything, someone they could trust.
SWAT’s missions were perilous. A second’s hesitation could cost someone their life.
This new member would need to impress the shit out of the entire team to advance.
Last year at the tryouts, no one passed on to interviews.
“Next on the agenda, I want to briefly update you on the upcoming training exercises,” Mac announced.
Groans and moans went around.
Their training was a bitch. It was worth it, but there wasn’t a time Myles didn’t leave sore from them. To stay in top physical shape, sharp with their shooting, and ensure their endurance remained high, they had to train hard.
Myles glanced over at Ash, who grinned.
“Time for me to whoop that ass,” Ash leaned over with a whisper.
Myles smiled. “Bullshit.”
He and Ash were extremely competitive when it came to training courses.
“This one will be different,” Mac continued.
Myles focused his attention back to his sergeant.
Different?
Mac’s jaw hardened.
The tension in the air grew thick while they all waited for him to continue.
“Oh shit. Something has pissed Mac off,” Brodie muttered, the only one brave enough to break the silence.
“I wouldn’t say pissed off. Apparently, the governor of our beautiful state has decided to have our team assessed.” Mac shoved a hand through his hair. “He’s actually having all the SWAT teams in the state assessed.”
Ash raised his hand. “Why? Have we done something wrong?”
“Is there a complaint against us?” Iker questioned.
Murmurs went around.
“There was an accidental shooting involving a SWAT team and a civilian who was killed.” Mac paused.
The silence was deafening. As a police officer, there was no way to avoid hearing the media criticize police procedure and protocol. Most times, accidental shootings were just that—accidents.
But a few bad cops gunning down suspects had corrupted the media and turned them against the decent men and women who wore the badge proudly.
“They are bringing in a company who are the leading experts on SWAT teams. The purpose is to study us and offer expert advice to ensure we have safe weapons procedures. This is a way for us to be proactive in decreasing the chances of unwanted incidents.”
Myles nodded. It sounded like a solid plan. It wouldn’t hurt for them to have some outside eyes looking at them. He and the others would never be opposed to making sure they were the best at what they did.
The meeting went on with additional questioning about the assessment before Mac and Dec continued on with standard business.
“How’s Deana?” Myles stood from his chair.
The meeting was adjourned, and the room began clearing out.
Ash’s wide grin spoke volumes. Myles had known with one glance at Ash and Deana, that they would be perfect for each other. Myles couldn’t ever remember seeing the gleam in Ash’s eyes before Deana.
“She’s doing great. We have about another month or so until the baby is here.” Ash walked out of the conference room.
“Already?” Myles’s head whipped around. “Time sure passes by fast.”
They made their way through the precinct. Ash had met his fiancée at the elementary school, where he was the DARE officer. Deana was a fifth-grade teacher, and apparently, there was more to be found at the school besides kids wanting to get to know the police better.
“It does. We’re almost done with the nursery. Deana got so much stuff at the baby shower. I don’t know how the baby will use all of it.” Ash laughed.
