Playboy (The Trident Series II: BRAVO Team #4)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Gabby sat on her bed, picking through the basket of chocolate that Clover had brought the other day. She was trying to kill time before her appointment. She was scheduled to be fitted with her prosthetic today, which she was both nervous about and excited about. It felt like the first big step toward getting her life back, a chance to prove to herself and everyone else that she was still capable of everything she was before.

She was in a good mood despite the fact that her parents and Playboy couldn’t be there due to schedule conflicts. Gabby understood, and it wasn’t like she expected everyone to drop everything for her, but she still felt a small pang of disappointment. Regardless, today was about her, and no one was going to take that away.

She did finally get a call from her brother, Will. They talked for close to an hour. He was so upset that he couldn’t be there for her because his ship had been deployed. But she, of all people, completely understood. He promised that he and his wife would try to make it up for a visit around the holidays.

Suddenly, a sharp knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She frowned, puzzled. There were still two hours before her appointment. “Come in,” she called, unsure of who it could be.

As soon as the door swung open, and her stomach dropped. Vice Admiral Alley. His presence immediately filled the room with a tension she could almost feel on her skin. His look of arrogance was unmistakable. The smug smile that always grated on her nerves was firmly in place.

Of all people, he was the last person she wanted to see.

“Vice Admiral,” Gabby greeted tersely, sitting up straighter. She knew he wasn’t there for a friendly visit. He never was. Unease slithered up her spine, her instincts screaming that something was off.

Alley closed the door behind him and took a step forward, “Petty Officer Allen,” he began, his tone laced with condescension, “I’m here on official business.”

Gabby’s stomach tightened. She stayed silent, waiting for the bomb to drop.

“I’ve been asked to deliver some news to you, and since you and I both know that I’m not welcome here, I’m just going to get straight to the point.” Alley continued, his smile widening slightly as though he enjoyed what he was about to say. “You’re being recommended for a medical discharge.”

For a moment, Gabby couldn’t breathe. Her vision blurred at the edges as the words sank in. “What?” she croaked, barely able to get the word out.

“You heard me.” His voice was infuriatingly calm. “Your condition makes you a liability now. The higher-ups feel it’s best to discharge you and move on.”

“No,” Gabby snapped, her voice suddenly strong again. “I have a timeline! I’m allowed time to prove that I can still do my job. I haven’t even been fitted for my prosthetic yet, and I’m already showing progress in rehab.” Her heart was pounding, a mix of anger and panic flooding her system. She had worked her entire life for her career— her spot in the MSRT. She wasn’t going to let him, of all people, take it away from her.

Alley shrugged, completely unfazed. “Your replacement has already been selected, Allen. He’s ready to step in. Honestly, I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits in with the team.”

The smugness in his tone was unbearable. Gabby’s fists clenched at her sides. “You sexist bastard,” she hissed. “You’ve been gunning for me since day one. Always finding ways to sabotage me, always trying to undermine me.”

Alley raised an eyebrow, looking mildly amused. “Sabotage, huh?”

“You tried to screw me over during the competition,” Gabby accused as her voice rose. “But I still won. I’ve proven time and again that I belong here, and you can’t stand it.”

“Believe what you want, Allen,” Alley said, dismissing her. “But the decision is final. You can fight it if you want, but it won’t matter. I know the right people.”

His words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Gabby felt the rage and helplessness bubbling inside her, her chest tight as she stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. He was trying to end her career, and she didn’t know if there was anything she could do to stop it.

The door opened again, and this time, it was Captain Graham who stepped inside. He looked between Gabby and Alley, his brow furrowed. “Vice Admiral?” he asked, a curious edge to his voice. “What are you doing here?”

Alley flashed him a cold smile. “Captain. I was just leaving. Petty Officer Allen will explain everything to you.” He turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving behind a silence so thick it felt suffocating.

Graham watched Alley go, his eyes narrowing before turning to Gabby. He stepped closer and sat down in the chair next to her. “What the hell was that about?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Gabby swallowed hard, her throat still tight from the confrontation. “He came to tell me that they’re recommending me for a medical discharge.” Her voice wavered slightly, but she kept her gaze steady on Graham.

Graham’s face darkened instantly as his eyes flashed with anger. “What?” he growled. “That’s bullshit. He’s stepping way over the line.”

“I tried to argue,” Gabby said, her voice barely above a whisper now. “But he said the decision’s final and that there’s nothing I can do. He’s already picked my replacement.”

Graham ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. “Alley’s been gunning for you for a long time. I wouldn’t put anything past him, but this… this is low, even for him.”

Gabby swallowed hard. “Does he really have that kind of pull?” she asked, afraid of the answer.

Graham sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah,” he admitted, “he does. But it’s unethical. He’s abusing his power, and I won’t stand for it.”

“Can we fight it?” Gabby asked, her heart pounding. “Do I even stand a chance?”

Graham’s jaw clenched. “I know people too,” he said firmly. “People who outrank him. I’ll fight for you, Gabby. But you need to be prepared for anything. Alley’s a loose cannon, and he’s got connections. This won’t be easy.”

Gabby nodded, feeling a small glimmer of hope. But the weight of the situation still pressed down on her. “Thank you,” she said quietly, grateful for his support.

“You’re more than welcome. You’re one of my best operators. How are you doing otherwise?”

She shrugged her shoulder. “Eh…okay. I was in a good mood until fucktard showed up.”

Graham grinned. “Well, try not to let him bother you too much.”

“I’ll try.”

“Don’t you get fitted for your prosthetic today?”

She smiled. “Yep. My appointment is in about an hour and a half.”

“That’s great.”

Gabby then thought of something that she had wanted to ask him.

“Hey, Captain. Have the FBI or DEA found out who those drugs belonged to? Or identified the men on that boat?”

Graham shook his head. “No, nothing yet. But whoever it belonged to took a huge hit. The street value of the cocaine they offloaded was about one hundred twenty million dollars.”

Gabby’s eyes about bugged out of her head. That was a lot of money.

“Wow…”

“Yeah. But as soon as I find out any other information, I’ll be sure to pass it along to you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Graham stood up. “I hate to run off so soon, but I’ve got a meeting across town that I need to get to.”

“Alright. Thanks for stopping by.”

“Of course. And as I said, I’ll make a few calls. Try not to worry too much.”

“I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises.”

Graham’s eyes filled with determination. “I won’t let him get away with this. You hang in there, alright?”

She nodded again, watching as he left the room. As the door closed behind him, Gabby’s mind whirled with thoughts of what might come next, but for now, she was just grateful she wasn’t fighting the battle alone.

◆◆◆

As Captain Graham made his way out of the hospital and to the parking lot, his anger simmered just beneath the surface. Alley had crossed the line— again . It wasn’t the first time, but this time, Graham wasn’t going to let it slide. Gabby didn’t deserve this. She had proven herself time and time again, and Alley’s vendetta had gone on long enough.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, Graham dialed a number, his steps quick and purposeful as he headed toward his car.

“Travis,” he said when the voice on the other end picked up. “We have a situation.”

He explained everything—Alley’s underhanded move, the recommendation for Gabby’s discharge, and how it was all personal. Travis listened intently.

“Alley’s been on my radar for a while now,” Travis replied, his tone serious. “There’s been some other questionable things going on with him. I’ll look into this personally. Don’t worry. We’ll get this sorted out.”

Graham let out a breath of relief. “Thanks, Travis. I appreciate it.”

“Always. I’ll be in touch,” Travis said before hanging up.

As Graham got into his car, he felt a renewed sense of determination. He wasn’t going to let Gabby’s career end because of some power-hungry admiral with a grudge. This fight was far from over.

What Alley didn’t know was that Graham and Travis Boles, the Department of Homeland Secretary, were old friends.