Chapter 51 – The End of an Era
Fort Bragg, North Carolina – Main Entrance
The chilly November wind cut through the air as the Tucker-Pritchett family waited at the entrance to Fort Bragg. Mitchell, Cameron, Lily, Jay, Gloria, Claire, Phil, Hailey, Alex, and Luke were gathered together, wearing light coats to protect themselves from the cooler weather.
Mitchel looked at the main gate anxiously.
"He should be here soon."
Jay, hands in his coat pockets, glanced at his watch.
"Relax, Mitch. He knows what he's doing."
Cameron looked around, impressed by the size of the military base.
"My God… This place is huge! There are even tanks!"
"That's because you're only seeing the outside," Alex commented, adjusting his sunglasses.
Lily, arms crossed, looked at Claire.
"Have you ever seen him in uniform?"
Claire shook her head.
"Not in person. Just in the pictures they showed on TV."
It was then that Phil, who had been staring absently at the road inside the base, widened his eyes.
"Look there! I think that's him!"
Everyone turned at once.
Grant walked toward the group. His impeccable dress uniform bore the brown USASOC beret, and on his chest, numerous medals glinted in the sunlight. His serious face, with a slight smile, showed the weight of years of service, but also the satisfaction of being there, ready to close this chapter of his life.
Jay was the first to move. The old ex-Marine walked toward Grant with firm steps, and the two stared at each other for a moment before Jay broke into a proud smile.
"Welcome back, kid."
Grant nodded and hugged his grandfather.
"Thanks, Grandpa."
Then he turned to Mitchell and Cameron, who looked like they were about to burst into tears.
"I'm here," Grant said, opening his arms.
Mitchell was the first to hug him tightly, followed by Cameron.
"Son, you have no idea how proud we are of you," Mitchell said, his voice breaking.
"And how handsome you look in that uniform!" Cameron added.
Then it was Gloria's turn, practically throwing herself into his arms.
"Mijo, I missed you so much!"
Grant laughed.
"Me too, Gloria."
Then he bent down a little, and Lily hugged him, tighter than he expected.
"You took your time, idiot."
He laughed.
"But I'm back."
Hailey, Alex, and Luke greeted him with hugs and jokes, and Claire gave him a light slap on the arm.
"Never disappear like that again."
"This time it's for good."
Finally, Phil shook his hand with a smile.
"We're really happy for you, man."
Grant nodded and looked at the group.
"Ready to see some of the base?"
"Sure!" they all said at once.
Grant passed through the security checkpoint and let the family in.
They continued in a military van, guided by Grant, who explained details about what they could and couldn't see.
"This is the training complex. I spent many hours suffering in this field."
Luke looked at the obstacles and sighed.
"Man... This seems impossible."
Grant laughed.
"At first, it does."
Phil pointed to a building with mirrored windows.
"What about that?"
Grant smiled.
"Let's just say it's one of the most restricted areas on the base."
Alex looked around.
"So, basically, we're in the heart of the Army's most secretive unit?"
"Basically."
The tour continued until Grant led them to a courtyard where several soldiers were gathered, some former teammates.
Grant made a point of introducing his family.
"Guys, this is my family. Family, these are some of the best operators I've ever met."
The soldiers greeted them respectfully, and Jay, a Vietnam veteran, received nods from the older men.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," one of the soldiers said to Jay.
"It's my pleasure, son. I know what this life is like."
The group was led to a hall where Grant's official retirement ceremony would take place.
Soldiers of various ranks were present, as were officers from Delta command. Grant stood next to other retiring operators.
One of the officers stepped up to the podium and began his speech.
"Today, we recognize not just a soldier, but a warrior. Grant Tucker-Pritchett dedicated years of his life to the most difficult operations this unit has faced. He put his life on the line countless times, rescued hostages, eliminated high-value targets, and served with honor and courage. His presence will be felt for years to come in this unit."
Grant's family looked at him with admiration.
The officer continued:
"As is tradition at Delta, we would like to present you with something that symbolizes your legacy."
Two operators approached with a personalized wooden box.
Grant opened the lid and saw that inside were all the medals he had earned throughout his career, neatly arranged, with the Delta symbol in gold on the center.
"This is incredible…" Mitchell said, overcome with emotion.
"And there's one more thing."
The officer took out a smaller case and handed it to Grant.
He opened it and saw a personalized combat knife, with the Delta emblem engraved on the blade and his name on the side.
"A reminder of what you did here. And a symbol that, even when you're gone, you'll always be one of us."
Grant looked at the men who had served alongside him for so many years.
"Thank you. Truly."
The ceremony concluded with a final toast.
Grant then looked at his family, who were waiting for him with smiles and teary eyes.
He was finally free.
Chapter 52 – A New Beginning
Los Angeles, California – LAX International Airport
The flight from Fort Bragg to Los Angeles had been uneventful. Now, Grant walked through the LAX terminal with his family. It was a strange feeling. For the first time in years, he wasn't just returning for a visit; he was back to stay.
Every step he took in that airport was different from the last. This time, there was no deadline to leave again.
Mitchell, pushing a suitcase, looked at him and smiled.
"So, soldier, how does it feel to be a civilian again?"
Grant let out a short laugh.
"Strange. I feel like I should be carrying a rifle."
Cameron, nearby, sighed dramatically.
"Well, no need. Now your only worry will be finding good coffee and getting used to ordinary life!"
Lily looked at Grant and arched an eyebrow.
"Do you really think you'll be able to live a 'normal life'?"
He shrugged.
"Not exactly. But I'll try something new."
Jay, walking a little behind, watched silently. The veteran knew all too well what the transition from military to civilian life was like. He knew that feeling of not quite knowing where he fit in.
Grant looked around and took a deep breath. Los Angeles was home again.
The first few days were a mix of relief and unease. Grant spent much of his time catching up with his family, visiting friends, and getting back into the swing of things.
But one thing didn't change he couldn't sit still.
Even though he no longer needed to train for an imminent mission, Grant woke up before dawn, ran miles around the neighborhood, did intense exercises, and maintained his disciplined routine.
Mitchell noticed this as early as the second day.
"You know you don't have to wake up at five in the morning anymore, right?"
Grant laughed, picking up a bottle of water.
"Habit. And I like it."
"I know... But maybe you should relax a bit. You know, enjoy life, discover new hobbies."
"Like gardening?"
Cameron, passing by, smiled.
"Gardening is great! But I'd suggest something more exciting. How about surfing? Or cooking?"
Grant laughed.
"We'll see."
But deep down, he already knew he didn't want a hobby. He wanted a new purpose.
What Next?
Even before leaving Delta, Grant was already being approached by several companies and agencies. His resume was impeccable.
He received offers from PMCs (Private Military Companies), the CIA's GRS (Global Response Staff), and other security agencies. All very lucrative, some even offering work overseas.
But none of them felt right.
It was then that something occurred to him—Close Protection.
During his time at Delta, he had received direct Secret Service training in Personal Security Detail (PSD). He had also performed this type of work on top-secret missions protecting high-value targets.
This meant he had real-world experience protecting VIPs, something billionaires, royalty, and celebrities always needed.
One night, while browsing his phone, Grant read about a former SEAL who had set up his own private security company to protect politicians and businesspeople in Europe and the Middle East.
Mitchell, sitting on the couch, noticed Grant was deep in thought.
"What are you thinking about?"
Grant looked at him.
"Private security."
"The kind mall security guards do?"
Grant laughed.
"No. The kind that protects billionaires, politicians, and royalty from kidnappings and assassinations."
Cameron's eyes widened.
"Oh my God! You want to be like Kevin Costner in 'The Bodyguard'?"
Grant laughed.
"Not exactly. But it's a job that makes sense for me. It still requires my experience, but without having to be in combat all the time."
Jay, who had been listening to the conversation, nodded.
"If you go down that path, kid, you need to choose who you work for carefully. Private security can be lucrative, but it can also put you in situations that aren't worth the risk."
Grant nodded.
"I know. I don't want just any job. I want something that challenges me, but without the same risks as before."
Mitchell smiled.
"Well, I'm all for anything that doesn't involve explosions and gunfire."
"Me too," Claire said, entering the room.
Gloria, on the other hand, was excited.
"Mijo, you can protect celebrities! Imagine protecting Brad Pitt! Or Beyoncé!"
Grant laughed.
"If it pays well, why not?"
Everyone laughed, but deep down, Grant had already made up his mind.
Researching the Opportunities
Over the next few days, Grant began making contacts. Some former special forces members were already in the field and offered advice on the best companies.
"If you want something global, there's Gavin de Becker & Associates. They cover everyone from CEOs to Hollywood stars."
"If you want something more discreet, there are smaller groups specializing in security for royal families in the Middle East and Europe."
"And then there are private ones. Some billionaires hire former military personnel directly to build their security teams."
The more Grant researched, the more he realized this was a closed but very profitable market.
With his experience, he could easily land a contract with a large company or even start his own team in the future.
One morning, Grant was sitting on the porch of his parents' house, drinking coffee, when Lily sat down next to him.
"So, are you really going to pursue this career?"
Grant looked at her and smiled.
"Sounds like the right path. I want to stay active, but without having to throw myself into the middle of a war again."
She nodded.
"Just don't forget to live a little too, okay?"
He laughed.
"I'll give it a shot."
His phone vibrated with a message from a former Delta member, recommending a contact at an elite security firm.
Grant read the message and smiled.
He was officially starting a new chapter.
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
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