Leaving my side – finally – Collins popped his head out of the door. “Fletcher, could you please fetch me a”

“I work for Sam and Jared. Unless the request comes from them, the answer is no.”

I smiled. Oh God, I loved Fletcher. He was just as pissed off with Collins as everyone else was. The bloke was truly talented at alienating people and making enemies.

Collins stuttered, “Y-yes, but”

“After all, what kind of assistant would I be if I spent my time doing things for others? There’s a NST dispensing machine in the corner of the hallway.” Judging by the clicking sounds, Fletcher had immediately gone back to typing. Disssssssmissed.

Sighing in disappointment, Collins perched himself on the edge of my desk again. “I’ve yet to see the squad’s personal files.”

Was he high? Incredulous, I asked, “Why would you see their files?”

“I need every scrap of information to complete my report.”

“But that doesn’t include their files.” And he had some nerve to ask for them.

He gave me an impatient look. “I’m here to observe you as their commander.”

“Appreciated,” I said slowly, like I was dealing with a small child, “but their personal files have no bearing on that.” He was just being a nosy bastard because he was freakily obsessed with the squad.

“On the contrary, I need to see that you keep the files updated – that you properly record the squad’s progress.” His snippy tone earned him a hiss from Dexter. As usual, Collins flinched at the sound.

“Well you’ll just have to take my word for it when I say that I do.” Planning to head back to the arena now that lunch break was over, I switched off my laptop and spread out my arm beside Dexter. Without hesitation, he began to curl himself around it.

Collins folded his arms, glaring down at me disdainfully. Pompous prick. “You have to cooperate with this investigation, Commander Parker.”

“I have, and I will continue to do so. But I will not disclose personal information about anyone without their expressed permission. Now, if the squad agree to you seeing their files – well, that’s different.” As Dexter finished winding himself around my arm, I said, “Novo,” returning him to his tattoo form. Only then did I move my attention back to Collins. “Ask them. If they agree, I’ll make their files available.” But hell would freeze over before the squad would agree to that, and he knew it.

“I could always call my superiors and have them”

“Do what you feel you need to do, Mr Collins. But don’t ever think that threatening me with anyone or anything will get you what you want. Your big, bad displays of authority are wasted on me. As you yourself said, I’m ‘reckless’.”

He flushed. “I would recommend that you do not make an enemy of me, Commander Parker.” His cautioning tone was severe, almost threatening. “As your observer here, it is in my hands whether or not you keep your position.”

I leaned forward. “Yeah? Well observe me pretend to give a rat’s arse.” With that, I stood and made my way around the desk, my head held high. Exiting the office, I waved briefly at Fletcher – who, clearly having heard the conversation, was keeled over with laughter – and advanced down the hallway. Unfortunately, Collins shadowed me as per bloody usual.

“Where are you going?” he asked, remaining slightly behind me.

“Lunch time is over. I’m returning to the arena.”

“What about Commander Michaels?”

“He’ll be meeting me there.” Jared had wanted to pay Evan a brief visit. It was something he did too often in my opinion, and each time he came out of there he was even more devastated than the last time. A part of me wanted to tell him to stop going to the cell and doing this to himself, but I understood why he did it. I also understood that the reason he went without me was that he didn’t believe he deserved my support. He was blaming himself to some degree, and nothing anyone said would shift his opinion on that.

“It was strange that he didn’t have lunch with you this evening.”

“Was it?” I kept my tone bored, ignoring what was clearly a prompt for information on what Jared had been doing.

“Usually you’re both joined at the hip.” His voice was sharp, almost bitter.

“No need to be jealous, Mr Collins.”

He spluttered. “I am not jealous! Quite frankly, Commander Parker, you are not someone who I could permanently tolerate on a daily basis. You’re simply too aggravating.”

“Why, thank you. But I wasn’t implying that you want me, I was implying that you have a little thing for Jared.” In truth, the only emotions he ever felt around Jared were jealousy, bitterness, and hatred. There was never desire there, but I liked to needle him. Tit for tat, right?

“I beg your pardon!”

“Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who wants him. And I can totally understand.”

“I do not want your mate! I do not even enjoy his company. And if you must know, I am one hundred percent heterosexual.”

Without turning to look at him, I wagged a finger. “Now, now, there’s really no need to lie.”

“I am not lying,” he stated through his teeth, his temper rising.

“Sure you are.”

“How dare you! That is a very”

I stopped dead and twirled to face him, almost causing him to crash into me. “Oh, so you don’t like it when someone makes incorrect judgements about you? Join the f**king club.”

He didn’t say another word as he followed me inside the arena, which was a very good decision on his part. Inside, Jared and the squad were waiting. A scantily dressed Eloise was already seated in the spectators’ area. Strangely, she was also completely still. Only her eyes were moving, and they were gleaming with panic. Realisation hit me, and I sighed at Harvey, shaking my head.

Shrugging, he released her of his gift. “It was just a demonstration. They’re both constantly asking for them.” No, it was his way of cheesing her off. The squad was getting sick of Collins and Eloise watching them like it was a show and they were performing seals.

Jared smiled at me, but his eyes were troubled, bruised. “Hey. You ready?”

You sure you’re up for this? If you need some time alone after seeing Evan, go home and I’ll be up in a little while.

Thanks, baby, but I’d rather be with you. Plus, I need to keep my mind on something else.