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

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Gabby walked with her head held high as she entered the packed room. Everyone was there: her family, her teammates, Playboy and his team, and even people wearing the Coast Guard uniform she didn’t know.

Hushed murmurs could be heard as she walked to the front of the room and stood behind the long table reserved for her. Her posture was straight and defiant. Her heart pounded in her chest as she faced the medical review board. The three members of the board sat opposite her, their expressions unreadable.

The chair of the board, Captain Stone, cleared her throat. “Petty Officer Second Class Gabriella Allen, we have reviewed your case thoroughly. The evidence provided by Vice Admiral Alley, along with doctors’ statements and statements from your Commanding Officer, Captain Graham, have all been considered. Before we announce our decision, do you have any final statements that you would like to make for your case?”

Gabby took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. “Yes, Captain, I do.”

Before she began, her eyes swept the room. Playboy gave her an encouraging smile while Captain Graham nodded his head in support of whatever she was about to say. But there was one set of eyes that met hers from the back of the room that gave her the confidence for what she was about to do.

Turning toward the three members seated in front of her, she began.

“I’ve served the United States Coast Guard with dedication and honor. I’ve faced numerous challenges and have always risen to the occasion. My injury is serious, but it’s not insurmountable. In fact, I believe that you each have received a copy of the PFT that I took just the other day, which shows that I have met all the requirements needed to continue in the Coast Guard, along with all the physical requirements the MSRT requires.

I personally believe that I have the right to return to duty.”

Vice Admiral Alley’s lips curled into a small smirk, but he remained silent.

Gabby continued, her voice steady. “However, I’ve come to realize that my contributions are not valued as they should be. The actions of certain individuals have made it clear that bias and prejudice still exist within this organization.”

The members of the board shifted uncomfortably. Captain Stone opened her mouth to speak, but Gabby raised her hand, signaling she wasn’t finished.

“Before you render your decision,” Gabby said, her gaze locking with Alley’s, “I would like to make it known to the board that earlier this morning, I submitted paperwork for separation orders. My current enlistment contract ends in exactly ninety days. I am seeking an Honorable Discharge. So, no matter what your decision here today is, I will be leaving the Coast Guard.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room, along with family and friend’s shocked expressions as she kept this information close to her. It was only this morning that she informed Playboy.

Looking at Alley, she saw that his smirk had disappeared, and a look of surprise and curiosity replaced it.

Captain Stone looked at her, her eyes wide, just like everyone else. “Petty Officer Allen, are you certain about this decision?”

Gabby smiled as she nodded firmly. “Yes, Captain. I am.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “While I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here, it is time for me to move on to where I’m truly valued and not judged because I am a woman, though I’ve earned the right to be in the position I am in just like any man in the same position.” She paused for a moment, looking over her shoulder, and met the set of eyes she was looking for. With a slight nod of his head, she turned back and continued. “I’ve been offered a position with an organization that values my skills and experience and has assured me that I will be given the time to recover fully and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully once my doctors clear me.”

Alley leaned forward, his expression now one of irritation. Apparently, he didn’t like to be made a fool of. But he deserved it.

“Petty Officer Allen, this is highly irregular. Are you sure this isn’t a rash decision made in anger?”

Gabby met his gaze unwaveringly. “No, sir. It’s a decision made out of respect for myself and my capabilities. I refuse to be dismissed unfairly and undervalued by those who should know better. People like you.”

Alley jerked backward as she had slapped him. Deep down, she wished she could. His face turned red, whether out of anger or embarrassment, because she called him out in front of his peers and his boss.

Just as Alley opened his mouth, most likely to give her a verbal beat down for disrespecting him, a deep voice spoke from behind her. When she turned around, her eyes widened, seeing the Commandant of the Coast Guard standing in the back. Next to him was the Department of Homeland Secretary.

Vice Admiral Alley, considering some information that has been brought to my attention, might I suggest that you choose your words wisely.”

Hearing that, Allen closed his mouth and sat back in his chair.

Captain Stone exchanged glances with the Commandant as well as with the other board members before looking back at Gabby.

“Petty Officer Allen, if that is your decision, we will respect it. However, I have to say that the Coast Guard is losing a very valuable asset. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”

Gabby nodded, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank you, Captain. I appreciate that.

“Then, I believe that we are finished here. Again, Petty Officer Allen, I wish you the best of luck.”

As Gabby turned to leave, Vice Admiral Alley stood abruptly. “This isn’t over, Allen,” he said, his tone low and threatening.”

Gabby paused at the door, turning back to face him. “You’re right sir. It’s just the beginning. But not for me—for you and anyone else who thinks like you.”

With that, she walked out of the room, her head held high. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she also knew she had made the right choice. Sure, she was going to miss her teammates. But she was moving on to a place where her skills were valued, and she was ready to face whatever came next with the same courage and determination that had carried her through her career.

As she stepped into the hallway outside the room, Gabby took a deep breath.

She heard heavy footsteps behind her that sounded like a stampede. When she turned around, she found her family, friends, and teammates approaching.

Playboy got to her first and pulled her flush against his body as he hugged her.

“I’m so fucking proud of you,” he whispered above her head. The emotion in his voice nearly brought her to tears.

Everyone stood there looking at her dumbfounded. They were all in the dark about her mysterious job offer.

Turning to address everyone she smiled. “I guess you all are wondering who my new employer is.”

“As long as you are happy with it, I don’t care who it is,” her dad said, giving her a hug.

She grinned and threw a wink in Tink’s direction.

“For those who don’t know him, please let me introduce you to Tink, owner of Rockwell Inc. and my boss.”

The stunned looks on everyone’s faces made Gabby laugh.

“What will you be doing?” her mom asked.

“What I do now, along with some intelligence work.”

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and when she looked up, Captain Graham was standing there. He gave her a soft smile and a nod of his head that he approved. “You’re going to do great things, Gabby. I’m proud of you.” He then turned his attention to Tink and shook his hand.

“Congratulations to you too. You’ve got yourself one hell of an addition to your team.”

Tink grinned. “Don’t I know it.” He pulled both Clover and Gabby to his sides. “Not only do I have the best helicopter pilot, but I can now say that I have the best sniper who brings an intelligence and special forces background with her.”

“I think I’m jealous,” Derek stated, making everyone laugh.

Clover pulled Gabby into a hug. “Girl, you and I are going to make a great team.”

“Oh brother,” Joker mumbled under his breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear and they all laughed. Clover scrunched up her nose at her boyfriend and stuck her tongue out at him. “You’re just jealous too.”

Her team stepped up beside her. Tristan spoke first. “I know today was tough for you. But I want you to know that we are all so proud of you. You are definitely going to go places at Rockwell.”

“Thanks. I think I’m still in shock about him offering me this opportunity. It almost doesn’t seem real. I mean when Alley told me he wanted me gone, I thought it was all over. But then, later that evening, Tink showed up in my hospital room and offered me an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse.”

“What I don’t understand is that if you knew you were going to take the job with Tink, why did you go through with trying to prove to Alley that you could still handle the duties of the MSRT? Why put yourself through that?” James asked.

“Because I wanted him to see that he couldn’t break me. I wanted to prove to him that he was wrong and that I was stronger than he thought.”

“We’re going to miss having you around the base,” Oliver told her.

“I’ll miss you guys too. But at least we’ll still be close and can hang out.”

After thanking everyone for coming to support her, Gabby decided to take a short walk.

She stepped out of the Coast Guard building, the weight of the medical review board hearing was gone, making her feel so much lighter.

The crisp autumn air hit her face as she took a deep breath. Today marked a new chapter in her life. Playboy and the others had been right all along. Having a door close on her didn’t mean the end; it meant another door had opened. And she was ready to walk through it and face the challenges that awaited her.