The Last Roman (The Praetorian Series - Book I) Read online

  ***

  The briefing room was small enough that creature comfort was at a minimum, forcing everyone gathered to sit shoulder to shoulder in six chairs which were arrayed three across and two deep. In front was a podium and a flat screen monitor. McDougal was at the podium checking his notes and the rest of the team was already seated. Santino, Wang, and Vincent were in the first row and Bordeaux and Strauss were in the back, with an empty seat between them. Bordeaux turned and smiled, patting the seat next to him. The rest of the guys turned and tried not to laugh while Strauss sat, arms folded, completely focused on the chair in front of her.

  Making my way to my seat, McDougal did a double take when he noticed my swollen eye and looked at me with severe disproval. I tried to ignore his stare as I took my seat, and made doubly sure I didn’t so much as glance at Strauss, deciding two could play her little game.

  McDougal cleared his throat and began his briefing.

  “Welcome to His Holiness’ Service. Hence forth, you are now a part of the Swiss Guard, specifically the Pope’s Praetorians as he likes to call us, and all allegiance to your former commands have been transferred here. As you know, you have come here in an effort to not only protect the Pope, but to also help end any threat facing Christendom and its allies. Each of you have brought unique combat experiences and skill sets, so get used to teaching one another and learning from each other as well.

  “All right, since most of you have already gotten a chance to get to know each other, we’ll run through introductions quickly. My name is Dillon McDougal, Major, Special Air Service. I’ve been in His Majesty’s service for thirteen years and have commanded troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

  “You all know Captain Vincent. He’s our liaison with the Pope as well as our Chaplain. Prior to joining the military, he studied political science and classical studies, speaks numerous languages throughout Europe and the Middle East, and is literate in ancient Greek and Latin as well.”

  My interest perked up. I hadn’t been aware of Vincent’s educational background. I’d have to pick his brain later about his knowledge of Ancient History.

  “Next up is Lieutenant James Wang. Wang has served with me for over five years in the SAS and is extremely proficient in hand to hand as well as small arms combat. He’s also team medic.

  “Lieutenant John Santino was a member of America’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, and has spent considerable time with the Green Berets. He specializes in stealth infiltration, reconnaissance, and believe it or not, is our cultural expert, having spent years of service behind enemy lines in Romania, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Brazil.”

  There were a few mock gasps of surprise from the audience in response to Santino’s status as “cultural expert,” while the man himself stood and offered an obnoxious wave and bow.

  “Are you through, Lieutenant?” McDougal asked.

  Santino merely smiled and I smiled with him. It was easy to see why we had always gotten along so well. We were both notorious jokesters. While Santino was more of a prankster and standup comedian, I was just a smartass with a penchant for his sense of humor.

  McDougal continued his briefing, waving a hand toward the large Frenchmen.

  “Lieutenant Jeanne Bordeaux was a member of the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group. He’s worked mainly in Africa subverting terrorist activity before it reached Europe, and played an integral part in planning Operation Raven Claw, stopping the only major African offensive at Gibraltar in 2019. He’s our demo man.

  “Lieutenant Helena Strauss is our sniper. She’s only been shooting in Germany’s KSK for a few months, but prior to joining, won gold in multiple shooting events at the Olympics. In the short time that she has served in the military, her kill count is quite impressive, so gentlemen, please try not to end up in her crosshairs.”

  Santino tossed his head back and laughed, and I shifted in my seat.

  “Finally, our newest arrival is Lieutenant Jacob Hunter. A U.S. Navy SEAL, Hunter is our water insertion specialist. Our location on the Tiber River is ideal for covert departures and arrivals back here to base. To do so, we’ll be utilizing underground sewers that require us to swim out to a tunnel system constructed by the Vatican and fed by the Tiber, before continuing out to the Tyrrhenian Sea where a sub will pick us up and take us where we need to go. Each of you has done at least some water insertion training, but if you feel you need some extra help, see Hunter after the briefing. He is also cross trained in underwater explosives, Bordeaux you may want to get in touch with him in regard to that. Finally, he is also a qualified sniper. You’re quite the Renaissance man, Hunter. With that, swim buddy assignments.”

  My stomach churned, knowing exactly where this was going.

  “Our combat operation doctrine is that of two-man elements working in tandem. Santino, you’re paired with Vincent. Bordeaux, you’re with Wang, and I’ll tag along with you two when we’re in the water. That leaves Strauss and Hunter. Hunter, you’ll act as her spotter, and since she’s the least experienced in the water, you two couldn’t have been a more perfect match.”

  This time it wasn’t just Santino who couldn’t help himself, but the rest of the guys mimicked his laughter as well. I even saw Vincent’s shoulders bobbing in silent amusement.

  Grudgingly, I finally looked over at the one person on the team I would soon have to become closest to. I saw her turn and catch my eye with equally deliberate slowness.

  I smiled, keeping it completely platonic.

  Strauss let out a small sigh, resigning herself to the situation and offered the first sign of affection since we met – a nod – and that was enough for me.

  “All right lady and gentlemen. We’ve been granted leave for seventy two hours starting now. I understand Lieutenant Hunter has been in transit from the States for over a day, so go get some sleep. The rest of you, hit the gym or the range, but don’t leave the base, not that it’s bloody likely you could find your way out. In sixteen hours, we’ll start running through combat and arms drills. You’re all professionals, so it shouldn’t be long before we’re operating like a well-oiled machine. Dismissed.”

  The Praetorians stood and saluted smartly before filing out of the room.

  I headed straight for the rack, having to ask Vincent where it was first.

  It had been a long and tiring day, full of interesting surprises and developments.

  After finally finding my bunk, I thought of my lovely new swim buddy as I kicked off my boots and collapsed onto the bed. My final thoughts as my head hit the pillow were of soft knuckles and piercing green eyes.