Chapter 80-81 - Adopted into a Modern Family

Chapter 80 – The Press Conference

The family was still gathered at Claire and Phil's house, trying to process everything they had just watched on TV. The images of the shooting, Grant's identification as one of the combatants, and now, the political and media repercussions were dominating the news.

Mitchell and Cam were side by side on the sofa, both still trying to digest the fact that their son had become, in the eyes of the world, a kind of real-life action hero. Jay stood with his arms crossed, watching the TV with a critical eye, while Gloria, Claire, Hailey, Alex, Luke, and Manny were scattered around the room, all attentive to the media coverage.

The TV screen cut to a live image of a packed conference auditorium. On a large podium bearing the seal of the U.S. State Department were government representatives, Sentinel Security executives, and a spokesperson for the Department of Defense.

— "Attention, ladies and gentlemen of the press. We are now beginning a joint press conference to clarify the events that recently occurred in Gaza involving American citizens, including private security guard Grant Tucker-Pritchett."

Claire nervously put a hand to her mouth.

— "They're going to talk about him directly."

Mitchell held Cam's hand, who was visibly tense.

The State Department spokesperson, a man in a gray suit with gray hair, cleared his throat before continuing:

— "Before we proceed, we would like to reiterate that the actions of Mr. Tucker-Pritchett and his team were not conducted under any orders from the United States government. He and his colleagues were acting strictly as private security guards hired to ensure the safety of models Gigi and Bella Hadid during a humanitarian mission in the region."

The auditorium was silent for a few seconds, until a journalist raised his hand and asked:

— "So you confirm that he wasn't there on any clandestine mission for the American government?"

The spokesperson for the Department of Defense, a robust man with a serious demeanor, leaned into the microphone.

"Negative. Mr. Tucker-Pritchett is not an active operator for any U.S. military unit or government agency. His involvement was strictly within the scope of private security."

Jay nodded slowly.

"They're clearing his name."

Hailey, still watching TV, sighed.

"But the question is... who leaked those images? Because clearly, that wasn't filmed by some random tourist."

The spokesperson for Sentinel Security, a middle-aged executive in an impeccable suit, took the floor:

"Regarding the leaked images of the confrontation, we are already in contact with international authorities to investigate the source of the leak. We can assure you that neither Mr. Tucker-Pritchett, nor any other member of his team, released that footage."

Another journalist asked:

"Did Mr. Tucker-Pritchett and his team violate international law by opening fire on Hamas militants?"

This time, the State Department representative was direct:

"Mr. Tucker-Pritchett and his team's actions were in self-defense, as there was a clear and imminent threat to the lives of their clients. International Law on Armed Conflict recognizes the right of individuals and private security entities to take proportionate measures to ensure the safety of civilians under their protection."

Mitchell exhaled a heavy sigh.

"That's good. They're making sure he doesn't get into legal trouble."

Phil scratched his head, still processing the situation.

"Okay, but does that basically mean he can continue this work without anyone hunting him down?"

Jay shrugged.

"Looks like it. But I doubt that will stop the sensationalist headlines."

On TV, a CNN reporter raised his hand.

"Will there be a public interview with Mr. Tucker-Pritchett and the others involved to clarify the events of the shooting?"

The Sentinel Security representative confirmed:

"Yes. In the near future, Mr. Tucker-Pritchett and his team will grant a detailed interview to clarify what happened and offer their version of events. But this will only be done after a complete review of the events."

Claire snorted and crossed her arms.

"Great. Now my nephew is going to be interrogated by the entire media."

The State Department spokesperson took the floor again:

"We reiterate that, despite the repercussions, Mr. Tucker-Pritchett did not violate any international law or private security regulations. His actions ensured the safety of the supermodels and prevented a possible kidnapping with devastating consequences. The United States government has no disciplinary action to take against him."

The press conference began to wind down, and the TV returned to the news anchors.

— "Well, now we have official confirmation that Grant Tucker-Pritchett was acting within the bounds of legality. However, experts are still debating the impact this visibility may have on him and his future safety."

The family was silent for a few seconds. Then, Jay gave a slight smile.

"Well, if anyone wants to go after him, they'd better bring an army."

Claire looked at Mitchell.

"Have you spoken to him yet?"

Mitchell shook his head.

"Not yet. But I think we should call him now."

Cam agreed, still holding her husband's hand.

"Just to make sure he's okay."

Hailey picked up her cell phone.

"Wait, have you tried seeing if he's posted anything on social media?"

Luke sighed.

"Oh, please, Hailey." Grant isn't going to post 'shooting in Palestine, it was tense, but we're safe' on Instagram."

Gloria sighed.

"Oh, I just want to know when he's coming home."

Jay looked at the TV one more time before speaking, a look of pride on his face:

"He'll come back whenever he wants. But one thing is certain: he left home a soldier, and now the whole world knows he's much more than that."

Chapter 81 – The Return to Cairo

Grant was exhausted. The last few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, action, and danger. The interrogation conducted by local and international authorities had been long and detailed, but he and his team were certain they had acted within the law. Gigi and Bella Hadid had also been called to testify, as had the other security personnel and members of the humanitarian mission. Now, with everything cleared up, they were finally free to leave.

The stifling heat of the Middle East still weighed on his shoulders as Grant left the building where the depositions had been held. He adjusted his black tactical shirt, running a hand through his short hair, while watching Gigi and Bella talking to one of the UNICEF representatives. They were still shaken by everything that had happened, but at the same time, they seemed relieved to be able to return home.

Bella approached him, a slight smile on her face.

"Well, Grant, it seems we got out of this unscathed."

Gigi crossed her arms and looked at him with a look of pure gratitude.

"I don't even know how to thank you for what you did for us. If you weren't here, I don't know what would have happened..."

Grant shook his head, trying to downplay the situation.

"I just did my job. The most important thing is that you're safe."

Bella stepped forward and touched his arm.

"Well, that's precisely why we made sure you came with us to Los Angeles."

Grant raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"What?"

Gigi smiled.

"That's right. Our private jet is ready to leave straight for LA, and you're coming with us. The rest of the Sentinel team will go on the jet they chartered."

Grant looked at the other security guards with him. Samir, one of the team members, shrugged and smiled.

"Looks like you've become the Hadids' VIP security, my friend." Grant let out a light sigh and laughed.

"Well, if you insist."

Departure from Cairo

The car ride to Cairo International Airport was uneventful. Unlike when they arrived, there were no chases or threats in the rearview mirror. Even so, Grant remained alert, his eyes scanning the surrounding streets. His mind was used to always being on high alert.

As soon as they arrived at the private terminal, a team greeted them and escorted them to the luxurious jet waiting on the tarmac. The plane was a Gulfstream G650, one of the most sophisticated in the world, equipped with everything imaginable in terms of comfort.

When they boarded, Grant took a moment to truly appreciate where he was. The white leather seats, the soft carpet, the cozy lighting… It was an absurd contrast to the dust and chaos of Gaza.

Bella threw herself into one of the seats and sighed in relief.

"My God, I've never been so happy to get on a plane in my life." Gigi grabbed two bottles of water and handed one to Grant.

"Sit down, relax. You deserve it."

He accepted the water and settled into one of the seats. For the first time in days, he felt his body truly rest.

The pilot appeared in the cockpit.

"Mrs. Hadid, Mr. Pritchett, we are ready for takeoff. We should land in Los Angeles in approximately 15 hours."

"Thank you, Captain," Gigi replied, smiling.

As the aircraft taxied down the runway, Bella looked at Grant.

"I bet you never imagined you'd end up on a private jet with two supermodels after a shootout in the Middle East, did you?"

He laughed.

"Definitely not in my plans when I joined the Army."

"Well, life has strange ways of surprising us," Gigi said, reclining her seat.

The jet accelerated down the runway and, in a few seconds, they were airborne. Grant watched out the window as the city of Cairo receded into the distance.

For the first time since the mission began, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Mid-Flight

Hours later, Grant was awakened by a gentle shake on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw Bella holding a glass of wine.

"Sorry to wake you, but we want to talk for a bit."

Gigi was already seated in front of him, also holding a glass. Grant adjusted himself in his seat.

"About what?"

Bella bit her lip, thoughtfully.

"About what happened there. Have you ever been through something like this before?"

Grant took a deep breath.

"I've been in similar situations when I was in the Army, but nothing exactly like this. Doing private security in a conflict zone is a completely different ball game."

Gigi nodded.

"But you seemed so calm... When we realized we were being followed, you already knew exactly what to do."

Grant gave a half-smile. "Well, it's part of the job. If I panic, you panic. Staying calm is the first step to getting out of these situations alive."

Bella looked at him for a moment before saying:

"You're different from the other security guards we've had. Most are always very rigid, very robotic. You really care."

Grant took a sip of water before answering.

"Because I know what's at stake. I don't see this as just a job. You're not just 'clients' to me. You're people. People who deserve to live their lives without fear."

Gigi smiled.

"Thank you for that, Grant."

"No need to thank me. Just... choose the places you want to visit better next time." He joked, making them both laugh.

Arrival in Los Angeles

The landing in Los Angeles happened in the late afternoon. The golden sun illuminated the horizon as the jet touched down smoothly.

As soon as they disembarked, they were greeted by security and drivers who were already waiting for them. Gigi and Bella said goodbye to the plane crew and, before getting into the car, looked at Grant.

"Do you need a ride?" Gigi asked.

Grant smiled.

"Don't worry, I already have a taxi waiting for me."

Bella opened her arms and hugged him.

"Thank you for everything, really."

Gigi did the same, smiling.

"And don't disappear, okay?" "We'll call you for another job soon."

Grant nodded.

"I'll be around."

As he watched the Hadids' car drive away, he finally picked up his cell phone and called the only number he knew he needed to call first.

After two rings, Mitchell answered.

"Hi, Dad."

On the other end, Mitchell seemed to hold back a sigh of relief.

"Grant! Oh my God, how are you? Where are you now?"

Grant smiled.

"I just landed. I'm back."

Mitchell passed the phone to Cam, who yelled from the other end of the line.

"Are you okay?! We saw everything on TV! Are you all right?! I'm going to kill you, Grant!"

Grant laughed.

"I'm fine, Cam. Relax. Shall we meet?"

"Sure!" "Come home now!"

Grant looked around the airport. The air in Los Angeles had never felt so good.

He was finally home.

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Chapter 41 - Chapter 80-81