The agent glared. He broke protocol the second he showed up alive. Jack chuckled bitterly. Funny, I didn't realize existing was a crime. Existing with that call sign is, Grace said softly.
Reaper One means something to people, Jack. It's not just history. It's classified mythology. Jack's tone hardened. Then maybe it's time they remembered what those myths cost.
Grace's composure wavered. You think I don't remember? I buried 16 of our brothers because of that mission. His eyes darkened. And I carried their dog tags through 40 mi of hell to bring them home.
The agent raised his voice. Enough, both of you. But neither of them looked away. Outside, thunder cracked again, shaking the walls. The lights flickered.
Eddie muttered. This place ain't built for this kind of storm. Grace turned toward the agent. Give us a moment, he hesitated. Captain Walsh said.
I outrank Walsh, Grace said coldly. That ended it. The man stepped outside, muttering into his radio. Now it was just them. The bartender, the ghost, and the soldier who'd lived too long with secrets.
Grace leaned against the counter. I should have died that day," she said quietly. "They left me bleeding in the compound. You dragged me out. " Jack's eyes flickered.
"You remember that? " "I remember everything. " "Then you remember what I told you before we split. " Grace nodded. You said if we made it out alive, we'd tell the truth.
And you didn't, he said. I couldn't, she replied, her voice breaking for the first time. They threatened my family, Jack. My sister, my father. I didn't have your luxury of dying on paper.
Jack's jaw loosened. He wanted to hate her, but he couldn't. The war had broken too many promises to count. Eddie stepped forward, voice shaking. So what now?
You two just going to hand him over? Pretend none of this ever happened? Grace didn't answer right away. If I don't, they'll send someone worse. Someone who doesn't care if he's breathing when they take him in.
Jack took a deep breath. Then let them come. Grace's eyes widened. You don't understand. Oh, I do, he said.
You think this is the first time they've tried to bury me? A sharp knock hit the door. The agent outside spoke through the glass. Captain Carter, we have confirmation from command. They're escalating.
Her heart sank. Escalating how? Drones are in the air. They want a live trace on the target. Eddie's voice rose.
Drones for one old man in a wheelchair. Jack smiled grimly. Guess they still think I'm dangerous. Grace turned toward him. You need to move now.
There's a safe house on the outskirts. Old marine property. No traceable comms. We can get there before. A sharp wine cut through the air outside.
High-pitched, mechanical, unmistakable. They're already here, Jack said. Grace cursed under her breath, sprinting to the window. The reflection of red targeting lights glowed faintly through the rain. Eddie ducked behind the bar.
You got to be kidding me. Jack turned his chair toward the back exit. There's a maintenance tunnel behind the storage room. It runs under the alley. Grace hesitated.
You sure you can still move like you used to? He gave a dry grin. Who said I stopped? She helped him toward the back, pushing his chair faster than the wheels liked. The floorboards creaked, lights flickering as the power fluctuated again.
Outside, the hum grew louder, a sound like hornets in a thunderstorm. Grace yanked open the door to the back hallway. Go, Jack. But Jack stopped halfway, turning toward her. You still trust me?