He knew Diaz was ready to "hang it up." The two of them had private conversations about Diaz' kid, who was at the age when problems were creeping up. After missing out on most of his son's life, he decided it was time to do his "dad" thing.
Grant caught Garrett glancing his way. He motioned for him to join him in the kitchen.
"Matt, have the gentlemen changed their minds? Are they having second thoughts?"
"Not at all, Grant. As I told you before, they were totally behind the idea. Hey! I didn't tell you this! After I presented your idea, they had their own little meeting. You're gonna love it!"
Grant leaned back against the counter, crossing one foot over the other. "I'm all ears."
"You know they own land just about everywhere. So, they're willing to donate areas that would coincide with training at different times of the year, like winter survival. Need I explain further?"
Grant slowly shook his head in amazement. "I don't know what to say, Matt. There's no way … "
"They don't expect anything."
"Yeah, I know."
Garrett lowered his eyes. "Wish my dad could've lived long enough to see his plan come to fruition."
Grant thought about his own father for a brief moment, before saying, "Matt, you're living his dream for him." Garrett simply nodded with a smile.
"Listen, I'd really like the guys to meet those three. Do you think they'd be willing to pay us a visit?"
"I don't see why not. I'll touch base with them."
Grant reached for some cups in the overhead cabinet. Steam spurted from the drip coffee makers, as final drops splashed into glass pots. "Ready for some coffee?"
"Your speciality, right?"
"That's affirmative!" Grant replied, jabbing Garrett in the ribs with an elbow. "Next to peanut butter sandwiches, of course." He held up the coffee pot. "Who wants coffee?!"
Trash was dumped, table cleaned, stomachs filled, with an aroma of strong coffee continuing to linger. Grant called everyone together. "Okay, guys, need you to gather 'round. Scott, you're sure as hell gonna have questions, but if you can 'hang tight' for now, we can have a side discussion."
"Sure," Mullins replied with a wave of his hand.
"And Frank, you can talk with the guys when we're through." Diaz nodded.
Grant walked to the head of the table, folding his arms across his chest. Adler stood just to the side.
"I've been thinking about this for a while. Joe and Matt have already been filled in. I'd like your questions, comments, and honest opinions, okay?"
"Sure, boss," was the reply from every man.
"A training facility. That's what I'd like to start here."
"Interesting concept," Slade nodded.
"As I said to Joe, there are a lot of young men who probably believe they can't make it into SpecOps, and maybe they can't. But the facility might be a confidence builder, if nothing else."
"What kinda training are you thinking about?" James asked.
"I don't want to break them down then build them back up, DJ. In the beginning it'd be mostly physical and mental work. We've only got so much to work with here."
"As in no swimming pool," Stalley commented.
"Roger that, Doc, but there are some off-site swimming 'holes' we might be able to use."
"What about weapons training?" James asked. "Would that be a problem?"
"Matt already did research, checked on permits. There's enough property to set up a gun range, that'll allow tactical training with up to 180 degrees of firing mobility. We're far enough away from civilians, so noise shouldn't be a factor.
"I know you're probably wondering about the extra equipment and cost. Our benefactors have given their 'blessing' to the project. We can buy what we need. Now, we'll probably be able to train a max of six at a time. I think that's a good number."
Adler took a step forward. "Understand that this is just a short version of what we've discussed. You'll all be involved in formulating schedules, workout routines, classroom sessions. That sort of stuff."
"Right, Joe," Grant said.
James swallowed a mouthful of beer. "Are you planning on having them stay here?"
"Not here, as in the house. The plan is to bring in some portable buildings, farther away from the house. Same thing for indoor training sessions. And there'll be another entrance closer to those facilities. We've still got a lot to work out." Grant looked at Garrett. "Matt, you want to fill them in on what you just told me?"
Garrett repeated the off-site training possibilities at different times of the year.
"Wow!" was all Stalley could say.
Grant rested his hands on the top of a chair. "This is what it boils down to. Eventually, we should be able to pick out a good 'crop' of men, enough to form maybe four squads. You'll each be assigned to a squad, having full responsibility." Grant looked around the table. "Speak."
"What's goin' on, boss?" Slade asked, moving his chair closer to the table.
"Joe and I will be stepping back some. It's time."
Stalley's mouth dropped open. "Boss, you can't mean … "
Grant held up a hand. "Only stepping back, Doc. You won't be rid of us just yet."
James scrunched up his face. "Won't we be accepting any more missions from the President?"
"Whether or not you decide to scrap the training idea, A.T. will carry on as usual. Scott will still be our 'go to man.' Joe and I will still be in charge of your missions. But just be aware that there'll be certain missions he and I will go on — alone. We've already had a discussion with the President."
"Holy shit, boss!" Stalley spat out.
"Look, I know you've been 'blind-sided' with this, but here's the deal. It's gonna be up to you whether this whole idea is a 'go' or not. As I said earlier, I want you to be completely honest with me. I expect you to be."
"What if it isn't a 'go,' boss?" Slade asked quietly.
"Then it's over, Ken. But Joe and I will still be stepping back." Grant's eyes went from man to man. "Listen up! You'd better not think you'd be hurting my feelings if you don't wanna do this! Got that?!" Heads bobbed up and down. "Okay, let's take a break. While Joe and I talk with Scott, you see if you can come up with a decision. Take it outside if you feel more comfortable."
A.T. filed out of the living room, heading for the door leading to the garages. Diaz trailed behind, wondering if he was making the right decision. It boiled down to continuing a way of life he loved, or spending valuable time with his son.
Once outside, the men "bombarded" Garrett with additional questions. All indications were they had already reached a decision.
Grant and Adler filled Mullins in on their meeting with President Carr. Mullins commented, "So, nothing will change as far as my 'relationship' with you guys."
"Lucky you! Nothing changes," Grant answered with a grin. "Hey, here's a thought. If this plan moves forward, why don't you consider spending some of your free time on site?"
"You mean in training?!"
"Why the hell not?"
It didn't take Mullins long to reply, "Yeah, why the hell not?!"
Just then, they heard the door open, then footsteps along the wood floor. Grant turned in the chair, draping an arm over the back. He watched each man walk by, then line up alongside the table.
By their expressions alone, Grant knew they made their decision.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For friends, family, and fans: Thanks for your continued support!
As always, heartfelt thanks to our servicemen and women for their dedication and sacrifices.
And to SpecOps: Hooyah!