I took my phone out of my pants pocket and dialed Colonel Thompson’s number. It rang three times before he answered it professionally, “Colonel Thompson.”
I had the call on speakerphone so everyone could hear. “Colonel Thompson, Melanie Miller. I am with Alpha King Matthew at the moment and I have heard some distressing news concerning your overwatch team. Do you have a few minutes to answer some questions?” I inquired of him.
“Distressing news? Like what? We are doing our jobs. We’ve had no more incidents since the mistaken identity,” declared Colonel Thompson vehemently.
“We have received reports from the local packs that some of your men have ventured into their territories without permission and without cause. Is this correct?” I demanded.
“What are you talking about? Some of my men have gone hiking in the woods on their off time. Is this not allowed?” fumed Colonel Thompson.
“Colonel Thompson, I’d watch my tone if I were you. You were given a map with a boundary line. That line told you where you could and could not cross without asking permission first. Since your men did not ask permission first, yes, this is not allowed. Are we going to have a problem?” I declared as I was trying to control my temper.
“Listen here, Ms. Miller. I am doing my job. I do not appreciate you telling me what I can and cannot do. I will have my men ask next time …,” Colonel Thompson bellowed.
“Enough! Silence right now. I will call you back,” I commanded and hung up on him. In my mind, I said a few expletives. I cursed him out so bad a sailor would have blushed. I was breathing deeply trying to get my temper under control. I didn’t even hesitate; I called my father next.
“Melanie, how are you? Have you arrived at the Royal Pack yet?” Dad inquired in his jovial voice.
“Dad, is the government surveillance job a test?” I demanded in a frustrated, strained voice.
“What do you mean, a test? What happened?” Dad asked clearly confused at the moment.
“I’m in Alpha King Matthew’s office right now. You are on speakerphone. He received an email from Alpha Trevor that some of our overwatch team had ventured into his territory without permission. Colonel Thompson doesn’t like me telling him how to do his job. He says and I quote, ‘I do not appreciate you telling me what I can and cannot do. I will have my men ask next time.’ Again Dad, are you testing me?” I asked again for clarification purposes.
“Why do you think I’m testing you, Mellie?” Dad asked me still confused.
“To see how I would handle the situation? How would I handle an insubordinate employee? I don’t know Dad; this feels like a test to me. In all of the reports I have read with Colonel Thompson’s name, this doesn’t fit his M. O. He seems to me to be a very level-headed type of commander who isn’t intimidated or flustered like this. Is it because I’m a female?” I growled as I sighed heavily.
“Melanie I wish I knew, but this is not a test on my part. Like I said before, you have exceeded all my expectations. You are more than ready to become the Delta of our pack. I want you to handle Colonel Thompson like you would any other employee,” declared my father.
“Got it. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an employee I need to straighten out. I’ll call you later Dad. Give my love to Mom,” I exclaimed to my Dad.
“Got it, Mellie. Talk later,” replied my Dad, and the line went dead.
I then reconnected the phone with Colonel Thompson. He once again answered on the third ring. “Colonel Thompson,” he answered rather annoyed.
“Colonel Thompson, I just spoke with my boss. Keep your men in line and keep watch over our people. We need to keep them safe. That is your job. If your job takes you near those boundaries again, call the number attached and ask permission to cross the boundary lines. Do you understand?” I demanded calmly.
“Yes, I understand. You do not have to tell me how to do my job. I know how to do it,” seethed Colonel Thompson.
“I suggest you learn to take orders from me, Colonel Thompson. If I say jump. You had better say, how high. I am your boss on this operation. If you do not listen or follow the directions, you will be replaced. Am I clear?” I demanded in a low, calm voice showing I meant business.
“Crystal. Is there anything else, Ms. Miller?” Colonel Thompson asked through clenched teeth.
“Yes, Colonel Thompson there is. Be safe and stay alert. Keep our family, our people, and yourself safe,” I stated with a softer tone to my voice.
“Understood,” Colonel Thompson replied and hung up the phone.
Alpha King Matthew was sitting at his desk with a smile. He had a look of pride on his face.
“Melanie, you handled yourself very well. I’m pleased with how you handled Colonel Thompson. I agree with your father, you are more than ready to assume the role of Delta from him. I can’t wait to see how well you perform in your role. Also, I can’t wait to see you in action here. Now that our business has been concluded, you are dismissed. Go and relax. I’ll see you at dinner,” commanded Alpha King Matthew.
“Yes, Alpha King Matthew,” I replied as I bowed toward him. Then I left his office.
I went back to my room that I shared with Melissa so I could settle in and get ready for dinner. We had to dress nice-in semi-formal attire for dinner. I started to get ready for dinner when raised voices could be heard outside the door. Anderson told me not to come outside because they were handling the situation. Not a problem-I was still getting ready. The ruckus was over within a matter of minutes, thank goodness.
Dinner was in the Grand Ballroom. This place was huge. It looked like they could easily sit four to five hundred people. It was beautifully decorated. Every pack was assigned a table and we were escorted there. That’s what I call service.
Everyone was dressed very nice. The men had suits on while the women had anything from cocktail dresses to evening wear on. I wore a semi-evening gown (aquamarine in color) that my mother said I should wear since I was going to be representing our pack and I was the Delta heir.
We all stood when the Alpha King was announced. We bowed as he walked passed us to the head table. When he stood behind his chair he announced, “Good evening one and all. I am pleased you all could join us this year for our Grand Tournament. We have many good warriors here this year. I cannot wait to see who is the Top Male and Female Warrior this year. But that will begin tomorrow morning, so let us enjoy ourselves tonight. I hope you all enjoy your dinner and then the rest of your evening.”