How (Not) to Interview a Black Ops Soldier

I recently sat down with "Bolt Action" Mary, the heroine of my latest romantic suspense, ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT Black Ops: Automatik #2, to talk to her about such things as her journey through the military and her plans now that she's back in the civilian world. The conversation was very interesting, as was sitting across from such a skilled covert soldier as Mary. I'd love to show you what we talked about, but I'd agreed to let her get first approval of the interview and the following are her notes:

As you can see, Mary can be quite private and the last thing I'd want to do is go against her wishes. Luckily, the hero of ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT, former SEAL and current Automatik teammate Ben Jackson agreed to answer these same questions for her, and with her consent:

Q: What was your path into the military like?

A: Mary ran out of asses to kick while still in high school, so she had to join the Army in order to show those boys how it was really done. I’d advise you not to dig much deeper than that, unless you want a long ride in a dark van to a remote location.

Q: Was it difficult being a woman in the special forces?

A: It was probably more difficult for the cowboys in special forces to be outshot by a woman. I’m sure she had to prove herself, but there’s nothing I haven’t seen her excel at. Hotwire a car? Bang. Shadow ops? She’ll create a scenario so good you’ll believe you grew up in the same small town as her.

Q: Do you have a fitness routine now that you’ve retired from the military?

A: The woman makes yoga look deadly.

Q: Did you find that being a soldier made you choose between your emotions and your skills on the battlefield?

A: She’s one of the best shadow operators I’ve ever worked with, and she’s brave enough to bare her soul, too. That’s how I fell in love with her.

Q: What’s the one thing people don’t know about you?

A: If people don’t know it, she wants it that way.

Q: What are your plans to keep busy in civilian life? Any chance you’ll get bored?

A: We’re working in private security. Mostly pro bono. And there’s never a dull moment.

Q: Who are you wearing?
A: She has a five inch blackened dagger in her boot and at least three other weapons you’ll never know about.

Many thanks to Ben for answering these questions and giving us insight into Mary. You can learn more about both of them and how they went from teammates to lovers in ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT.