The sound of thunder rolled overhead as the door shut behind him. And somewhere deep inside Jack's tired eyes, a spark long buried began to burn again. He turned his chair slightly, facing the stranger. "Then I guess it's time," he said, voice steady. "To finish what they started.
" The man's eyes narrowed. "You won't survive it. " Jack smiled faintly. "That's what they said the first time. " Lightning flashed and the power flickered.
When it came back on, the file lay open on the bar. Page one read only two words. Operation Reaper's ghost. And the old marine whispered under his breath. Guess the core still remembers.
Outside, more doors opened. More shadows stepped into the rain. And in that moment, the bar that had been his refuge became a battlefield waiting to happen. The front window shook as a figure stepped from the last SUV. a woman in uniform, her face hidden under the hood.
But Jack knew that stance. He froze because 23 years ago, she was supposed to be dead, too. The rain outside O'Malley's fell harder now, hammering against the roof like a warning. Inside, the room was dim and tense, the smell of damp wood and whiskey mixing with fear. Jack Reynolds sat motionless in his wheelchair, facing the door.
His old Marine jacket clung to him, soaked from the earlier storm. Eddie stood behind the bar, his hand trembling slightly as he poured another drink he wasn't sure anyone would touch. The woman who stepped out of the rain removed her hood slowly. Her face was older now, worn by time and pain, but those eyes were unmistakable. Lieutenant Grace Carter, Jack said quietly.
Didn't think I'd ever see you again. Grace's lips curved faintly. Neither did I. The agent who'd entered before her turned sharply. You two know each other?
Grace didn't answer. She just looked at Jack. Really looked as if seeing a ghost she wasn't ready to believe in. We were on the same unit, she said finally. Stone Viper.
Eddie froze. The same mission you said was a death trap. Jack finished for him. Yeah, she didn't make it out either. The agent frowned.
Then why is she standing here? Grace's voice came out low. Because I did what command told me to. I disappeared. Jack's jaw clenched.
You mean they bought your silence? Grace took a cautious step forward. You think I had a choice? He looked up at her sharply. We all had choices.
For a moment, their eyes locked. Two soldiers bound by the same scars, carrying different versions of the same lie. The agent cut in impatiently. Enough reunion talk. We're here under direct orders.
Command wants Reynolds in custody. He's breached national security by resurfacing. Eddie slammed his rag on the counter. He's not some fugitive. He's a Marine.
The agent turned toward him. Not anymore. Jack's voice stopped them cold. He's right. The room fell quiet again.
I'm not a Marine anymore. Jack continued softly. I'm just a name they buried under the sand. Grace hesitated. There was something in his voice she hadn't heard in decades.
the same calm he had before everything went wrong in the desert. Check, she said quietly. If you come with us, I can make sure you're protected. He gave a dry laugh. Protected?
You mean locked away in some off the books bunker until I die for real this time? Grace didn't respond. Eddie's voice cracked the silence. Why can't you just leave him alone? He's done nothing wrong.