“SAC operatives. They were investigating Harrington’s connection with the Taliban. They found me and another POW and got us out.”
“The CIA was involved?” The CIA’s SpecialActivities Center coordinates the most secretive operations, often sending operatives off the record to complete missions the government doesn’t want to claim responsibility for.
“Yeah.” Sawyer nods. “But only recently. I just got back to the States last week. I was up in Maine with my parents. Just… re-acclimating. But I wanted to see you.”
I’m torn.
“I should have heard about it,” I reply. “Someone would have told me.”
“Maybe,” Sawyer replies. “Maybe not. It’s not a good look for the Army, you know? Having one of their colonels outed as a traitor? But call Command Sergeant Major Wilson. He’ll tell you.”
“Just call him up?” My voice drips with skepticism. “I’m not a part of that world anymore. He’s not just going to take my call like that. I can look into it, but that’ll take?—”
“I can call him. He agreed to vouch for me. After everything… Well, he knows I got screwed over. Bad. And he doesn’t want me going to the media. So he’ll talk to me.” Sawyer lifts his chin at me. “Come on, Alec. We both know you’re not going to shoot me. So let me make the call. You’ll see.”
From behind me, Hazel says softly, “Let him call. It can’t hurt, can it?”
But it can.
Still, I nod my head at Sawyer. “Fine. Call him.But no sudden moves. Or I will shoot you. You may think I won’t, but trust me, I will.”
Sawyer eyes me. Understanding fills his gaze. “I get it. You found your one. Like your parents did.”
“Just call,” I tell him roughly. “And put the phone on speaker,ifyou get to talk to him.”
I’m doubtful.
But five minutes later, everything I believed has been turned on its end.
The command sergeant majordidtalk to Sawyer. And after a brief hesitation, he confirmed every word Sawyer said.
My old friend—my best friend—wasn’t a traitor.
Colonel Harrington was the one who sold us out. The one who sacrificed Garrett in his pursuit of money. And set Sawyer up to take the blame.
Sawyer was held as a POW for four years in unbearable conditions. He was only rescued a few weeks ago, and the Army has been scurrying to cover its ass ever since.
I thought my friend had betrayed me, but he didn’t.
I spent all this time believing I failed my team, but it was never true.
The emotion is so overwhelming, I can’t bring myself to speak for a full minute.
So instead, sweet, incredible Hazel does it for me.
As I stare at Sawyer, trying to work everything out in my mind, she steps out from behind me andgreets him. Invites him inside. And as he slowly approaches the house, she touches my arm and whispers, “I think you can put the gun away now, Alec. I think it’s okay.”
Once Sawyer reaches the front porch, he holds his hand out to Hazel. She takes it and gives him a warm smile. “I’m Hazel,” she says. “Alec’s girlfriend. It’s very nice to meet you.”
Then she puts her hand on my shoulder and murmurs in my ear, “I’m going to go inside. Make something to drink. Maybe some sandwiches, since he looks pretty skinny. You take some time to catch up.”
Her touch breaks me out of my stupor. “Haze.” I re-holster my gun and turn towards her. “Please don’t put yourself in danger like that again. Okay? I don’t think my heart can take it.”
She gives me a small, regretful smile. “I was watching through the window. I thought it looked safe. But you’re right. I’m sorry.”
I palm her cheek, stroking my thumb across her soft skin. “I love you, sweetheart.”
Her expression goes soft. “I love you, too.”
