Flint swallowed hard and choked. “Thanks.” The tears welled in the eye that the doctor could see.
“Additionally, you graduated and received your degree in spite of your, ah, setback. I obtained your diploma and secured the necessary paperwork certifying you as a full graduate of our venerable institution. What’s more, you’ll be receiving a generous monthly stipend for a year. We’ve also made arrangements for your consideration for employment by one of our, er, partners. We feel it’s the least we could do after what has happened. Of course, there are certain confidential stipulations we must insist upon.”
Flint smiled absently at the doctor and spoke. “Arman gave me an intense song and dance about coming to work with him instead of Linchpin. He claims that ‘his organization’ wants to create a chaotic and anarchic society ruled with an iron first. Is he just blowing smoke? I mean, where does this guy even come from?”
Malloy studied Flint’s half-a-face. “Sadly, Mr. Stryker, Arman is most definitely not blowing smoke. Everything he said to you is probably true, or most of it anyway. They are a very dangerous group with a network that spans the globe, spreading terror and discord wherever they go. As for where he is from, it’s best that you only know that he has an extensive collaboration in the former Soviet Union, as well as former Eastern bloc countries. He is deeply rooted in terrorist activities in many countries, involving many factions. While Arman is not the ultimate master, he is very high up the chain of command, and his influence and authority is not to be taken lightly.”
Flint sighed and shook his head. He turned to gaze out the window, watching the passing clouds. “Doc, I appreciate Linchpin trying to help me out. Lord knows that 2.2 GPA had to have really set academia back on its heels when they were preparing that sheepskin.” He turned his good eye to Malloy. “What if I didn’t want to take you up on that offer?”
Puzzled, Malloy looked at Flint’s eye and said, “What do you mean, Mr. Stryker? It’s just and fair compensation for all your testing over the last few years, as well as… the other,” he concluded.
“No, I don’t mean that. I mean, what if I didn’t want to accept that offer, but I wanted to accept your original offer instead.”
His eyebrows arched, and the doctor allowed himself a slight smile. “Well, Mr. Stryker, I’d have to discuss it with Seven and several others in senior positions, but I see no reason why we can’t at least pursue it.”
Flint nodded, allowing himself a faint smile as well.
“If you don’t mind my asking, why the change of heart?”
Stryker fixed his eye on the doctor. “Because bastards like Arman and Sevchenko don’t get to win, Doc, that’s why. Maybe I am an ordinary guy whose pedigree isn’t impressive, but I’d like to make sure that guys like Arman never win.” He set his jaw and returned his gaze to the window.
Malloy studied Flint and rose to leave. He made his way to the door, and turned to face Flint, his hand on the door.
“Think carefully about this, Mr. Stryker. Once you head down this path, it requires a commitment unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The next two and a half years will be the most exacting of your life. Your instruction will be the most taxing and challenging imaginable. The dangers you will face are real, not imagined, and the ultimate price could be your life.”
Flint laughed mirthlessly, and waved a hand, dismissing further conversation. “Say no more, Doc. I can handle it. If I can stay awake in the late Professor Huxley’s seminar lecture on cryptozoology, I can do anything.”
Malloy gave Flint a thin smile and nodded. “So be it, then. We’ll be in touch, Mr. Stryker. Get some rest.”
Flint turned his face again to the window, and just like that hot summer afternoon twenty years ago, he saw the swelling clouds twist and turn as the approaching storm fortified itself. He imagined he saw Amber’s face in the clouds against the granite sky. It was a trick of light and water vapor, but it looked so real. He closed his eyes and tried to hold that image in his memory.
Flint Stryker Returns In - Arctic Ambush
Flint Stryker is poised to begin his career as a secret operative for the covert organization known as Linchpin – if his training doesn’t kill him first. The transformation from perennial underachiever to skilled undercover operative is a daunting process, testing Flint at every turn. Facing demanding challenges and pushed to the breaking point, Flint prepares for his first mission which threatens to end his career before it even begins.
Filled with suspense, unique characters, and interspersed with wry humor, Arctic Ambush continues the exploits of neophyte agent Flint Stryker as he begins his career with Linchpin, a mysterious, secretive organization that deals with unusual threats to the nation’s security.
But Wait! There’s More…
Thanks for checking out Lessons Learned, the first in the Flint Stryker thriller series. I hope you enjoyed it! If you’re a new Follower of Flint, you’re in luck - I’ve got a treat for you! Get a FREE copy of the Flint Stryker novelette Deadly Undertaking today by signing up for our mailing list to receive our newsletter. All you’ve got to do is click here or go to www.allengregorywrites.com and click on the “Subscribe to the VIP Mailing List” link. Deadly Undertaking is a complete standalone adventure featuring Flint and his compatriots in a race against the clock to prevent the global spread of a deadly toxin.
You’ll also get occasional emails from me with additional details on the Flint Stryker story arc, other freebies, advance notice on upcoming books, and other news on all things Flint.
Please Leave A Review
I hope you enjoyed the first in the Flint Stryker Thriller series! If so, would you be kind enough to leave a review?
Honest reviews are the best way to help bring my book to the attention of potential new readers. If you’ve enjoyed the book, please take a few moments to leave a review on Amazon’s “Lesson’s Learned” page. It will only take a few minutes and it will let others know how you feel about the book.
Thank in advance and kindest regards!
– Allen Gregory
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Author’s Note
This is a work of fiction, but it was inspired by the premise that there is a great deal of evil in the world, and like Flint, most of us have no desire to deal with the harsh realities of it. We must sometimes be prompted by forces beyond our control to confront that evil and take action or be overrun by it. I’ve often thought, “If I were confronted by a situation like that, how would I handle it?” Truthfully, I’d probably screw it up.
Flint is a flawed character. He’s not a superhuman, lone wolf killer whose every move is calculated to end in ultimate success. Nor is he the super-smooth, suave, and sophisticated operative who beds every beautiful woman he meets along the way before foiling the villain at the last minute by fashioning a weapon out of a paper clip and a used toilet paper roll.
Flint has a lot of real-world baggage. A difficult life history, a damaged psyche, a slacker mentality, an immature, self-centered lifestyle, and on and on. Pick one or pick them all, and you have the recipe for a different sort of “hero”. And by the way, what’s up with Flint’s “Precog” ability? Well, haven’t we all wished for something to warn us of impending trouble now and then? I know I do.
I encourage you to enjoy the ride. Flint’s adventures will be filled with unique characters, dangerous situations, intriguing antagonists, and lots of action – mixed with a dash of humor along the way.
There are so many people to thank I’m afraid I’ll overlook someone, so even though it won’t do the lot of them any real justice, I’d like to make a feeble attempt to express my appreciation. First off, I’d like to thank my beta readers, Sandra, Keith, Twyla, David, the two Jims, and Skip. Your thoughtful comments and suggestions helped with story flow, plot points, characterizations, and so many other areas. To Major Bruce Drake, US Army Ordnance Corps (Retired), man
y thanks for your input and advice on weaponry and other related matters. Lastly - many big thanks and lots of love to my kids, my grandkids, and my wife, Susan. I love you all.
Lessons Learned: The Flint Stryker Thriller Series - Book 1 Page 10