Like all the operators, Shane had a say in choosing who he wanted on his squad. Griffin and Kincaid had both helped thwart a major biological weapons threat last spring and—showing immense bravery—had saved thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of lives. Meghan Donnelly had proven herself a team player. Otherwise she wouldn’t even be here, and she was just so fucking good at everything and never stopped, no matter what they’d thrown at her. The fact a woman had passed Selection and successfully graduated NOTS was an historic moment for HRT, but right now nobody wanted to celebrate.

Frankly, it was about damn time they had a female operator and Shane was proud to have her on his team, but another glance at his boss and Shane suddenly realized why they were here this morning.

“Griffin and Kincaid are joining Gold team’s Echo assaulters. Donnelly is joining Charlie assaulters.” Novak confirmed Shane’s suspicion a second later. “As you’re here, I’d like you to show them where to put their gear. Griffin is with you.”

Shane’s throat closed and he looked away, wishing he was able to give these people the heartwarming welcome he’d received three years ago.

“Sure.” His voice was like sandpaper in his throat. “No problem.”

Shane straightened his spine and met the dark brown eyes of his new partner. He’d voted that Griffin get a spot on Gold team after he finished his six months of training—so had Scotty. But Shane had never imagined the guy would fill Scotty’s prematurely empty boots.

Griffin stared back at him impassively and Shane recalled the guy had suffered his own devastating loss last year. Griffin had been at the funeral yesterday, all the new NOTS graduates had been.

“Kincaid is with Nash. Donnelly is with Steel. Cadell is getting his own cage to make more room for Hugo’s equipment.”

Shane nodded woodenly. Nash, Cowboy and Cadell had suffered minor injuries last week but were already back at work. Hugo—their K9 team member—had thankfully been fine.

“Spell out to these guys the expectations regarding storing and maintaining their own equipment and ammunition. Then I want you to report to my office after the morning briefing. I have a new assignment for you.”

Wait. What? Shane took a step forward. “What do you mean, a new assignment?”

Was he being removed from the team? Had Novak decided he was a liability?

Novak released a slow breath and clasped Shane’s good arm. “Shane, I know this hasn’t been easy for you—”

He jerked away. “Because it should have been me.” Emotion was a vise around his throat. “You and I and everyone else in HRT knows it.” He raised the stupid cast on his arm. “If I hadn’t tripped down that stairwell, I wouldn’t have broken my arm. Scotty wouldn’t be rotting in a casket six feet under.”