Pappy felt like the devil in disguise when he walked to the kitchen. He pulled up short when he saw his father throwing his pots and pans in every direction. He watched as coffee grounds, flour, and sugar sailed through the air. Silverware and crockery followed until the shelves were bare. “I quit!” Kyros yelled hysterically, and dramatically stalked out of the kitchen. At the doorway, he turned, “Even your dog deserted you. That should tell you something, Kollar. Schmuck,” he said, using his new favorite word to sum up his feelings.

Pappy felt numb. He backed away to the main room and sat down on one of the chairs. He heard the cable car and voices outside as the recruits ran toward it shouting and cursing. For his benefit, he was sure.

Kayla was right, he was a stupid son of a bitch. He looked around, then pinched his arm. No, this wasn’t a dream, he was wide-awake, and he was alone.

Pappy walked over to the coffee urn and poured himself a cup of coffee. He carried it back to the table and sat down again. Now what the hell am I supposed to do?

He looked up when the door opened. Kate entered the room. She walked over to where he was sitting. “I think I was a bit hasty earlier. I’ll be leaving, too.” She threw her manila folder on the table and left.

Pappy, his voice a hoarse croak, said, “Why?”

Kate walked back to the table. “Why? In the past you might have been Superman, Captain Marvel, and Batman all rolled into one. Up here on this mountain you played God with all of us. We let you because we came here willingly, wanting to do what you trained us to do. We worked our asses off for you, Mr. Havapopulas. As women, all six of us had to work harder than the men, but we did it. Sam was the best of the best, and you damn well know it. We all know it. That’s why we’re all leaving. How could any of us work for you knowing you blew Sam off for personal reasons? It had to be personal because nothing else makes sense. You’re supposed to be the man in charge, above such nonsense. I wouldn’t feel safe with my life in your hands. Neither would any of the others. The funny thing is, you really didn’t surprise me. I actually expected something of the sort. You’re a man,” she said, as if that explained everything.

Stunned at the blonde’s words, Pappy could only stare up at her. She looked like an angry goddess towering over him. And she looked like she had more to say. He realized that he was right when she continued.