Page 2 of Jack

Jack straightened his spine and walked inside the private Study of Queen Lydia II.

“Mr Granger, thank you for coming.”

Jack bowed low and took the offered hand, shaking it gently. “Ma’am.”

“Please take a seat.”

He waited until she was seated before he sat, aware James was still in the room with them.

“I’m sure you’re wondering what you’re doing here.”

Her Majesty sat with her legs angled to the side, a cream skirt falling past her knees, a pale blue twinset, and pearls adorning her top. Her naturally blonde hair—because the Queen would never be so crass as to bleach it—was pulled back into an elegant chignon. At fifty-nine, she was still an attractive woman and held her head high and with grace.

“I’m intrigued to say the very least.” Jack was careful not to give away too much until he knew what was happening. His life had taken some very odd and not so pleasant turns this last week, and he wasn’t sure the blows had stopped just yet.

“Yes, I’m sure. Let me not waste any more time. My private security detail will be retiring at the end of the year, and I need a new one to fill its place.”

Jack frowned, confused as to how this affected him. “I’m sorry, but surely this is a job for the Home Secretary? Don’t they provide your security detail through the Met?” The Met being the short form of London’s Metropolitan Police

“Not exactly. My day-to-day detail, yes they do, but I’m talking about my personal detail who are answerable to me alone.”

“I was unaware such a detail existed.” Jack was trying not to sound like an idiot and wasn’t sure he was succeeding in his ignorance.

“And that is how it is meant to be and will stay. Since my great grandmother’s reign, the Monarchy has employed their own security to assess threats to the family, both foreign and domestic. Along with that, they carry out other tasks, such as private jobs that ease the way for peace in our great commonwealth.”

Jack had no clue this had been the case, but it made sense, and the first part was clear. The second, however, was a little greyer.

“Speak freely, Jack. May I call you, Jack?”

“Yes, of course, ma’am.” He almost laughed. It was ridiculous that she was even asking. She was the fucking Queen for Christ’s sake; she could call him whatever she wanted. “Can I get some clarity on the second part?”

He watched as the Queen glanced at James, and he stepped up.

“It is well known that the Queen does not offer a political opinion or get involved in state matters. However, sometimes there are things that need doing that cannot be sanctioned by the government or state. Her Majesty has the authority to send her team to do those jobs and eradicate threats to her people that she and her security manager deem necessary.”

“And they are retiring?”

“Yes.”

“Where do I fit into this? I’m sure you’re aware of my recent troubles.” He could hardly say the words even now, the taste too bitter on his tongue.

“We are aware of the full details of your departure from the Special Air Service, and I thank you for the work you did. To answer your question, I would like you to head up my next team and be my security manager.”

“Me?”

“Yes, Jack, you. You have everything I need in a specialist, and nothing you have done has shown me differently. You will be paid well and encouraged to form a new team, as the old one is only answerable to the current manager. You will have six months to train and be shown the ropes before your contract commences.”

“Why me?” Jack watched as the Queen stood, and he followed suit, holding in place while she wandered to the window to look out across the Palace gardens.

“James has been watching your career for a while, and you have a gift, Jack, for seeing things others do not, for evaluating things. As important as those things are, you also have integrity and loyalty.” Her hands linked behind her back, she angled towards him. “Those things are important to me.”

James looked at him with his head tipped slightly to the side. “What do you say, Jack?”

It had been a long time since he’d felt the burn of excitement in his belly. Yes, he still got that adrenaline punch on every job he did for the SAS, but this was different. He’d joined the forces to serve his country and make his father proud, and while he understood without being told that he’d have to keep this secret, he could still serve and make himself the best he could be. “Then yes, it would be my honour to take this position and serve the Crown and the people.”

“Wonderful.” A small smile hinted at Queen Lydia’s lips, and she dipped her head to James. “James will go over all of the details with you and have you sign the reams of paperwork that goes with it. I look forward to working together, Jack.”

She held out her hand, and he shook it and dipped his head in a bow as he backed from the room escorted by James. He had a feeling working for the establishment would prove to be his biggest challenge yet, and he relished the idea.

After hours of going through everything with James—who was a details man—Jack got home late, and wanting a clear head after Monday night’s disaster, celebrated his new job with a cup of tea. He laughed at the thought of how very British that was and opened his laptop.

He had a lot of work to do researching people for his new team, which was as yet nameless. Opening his email, he saw one that caught his eye and frowned when he saw the title that read Funding for New Security Team.

Thinking it was from James, he opened it and was surprised to see it wasn’t.

Dear Jack,

I’m an investor looking to fund a Black Ops Security Team. I have fifty million pounds for the initial start-up and would like to arrange a virtual meeting for us to discuss this. I would like my identity to remain a secret, but you can check the validity of this email as I know you have your family’s skills at your disposal. James Fitzgerald can also vouch that this is what it seems and not some attempt to form a team of mercenaries.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Eidolon.

Jack sat back, knowing he’d be checking out the email with both James, and if he’d see him, his brother. Although Will’s current access to a laptop was minimal. If it were a genuine offer, he’d just been handed the keys to the best Black Ops Security Team in the world, and he now had a name for them. Eidolon.