"Pemberton flipped immediately," Ronan reported.
Maya rolled her eyes. “I’m so not shocked.”
"In related news,” the TV anchor continued. “International authorities have arrested sixteen Sentinel network leaders across nine countries in coordinated raids."
The screen shifted to Tank's photo—dress whites, slight smile.
"Chief Petty Officer Marcus Sullivan, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for exceptional valor in exposing this conspiracy."
Silence settled over the room. Two years of questions finally answered.
"He knows," Sarah said quietly.
The door opened again. Admiral Knight entered with his usual commanding presence, gaze sweeping the room before landing on Griff and Sarah.
"Outstanding work. All of you."
He moved closer. "Buckley's looking at life without parole. Pemberton won’t get much less.” He beamed. "Sentinel is finished this time. Burned to the ground. Every financial node Tank identified has been frozen. The network collapsed within hours of Buckley's arrest. Some of the smaller fish will get away, but Buckley and his top tier are going down."
"Tank's white whale," Deke murmured. "Finally harpooned."
The Admiral nodded. "His sacrifice exposed the network. You all finished what he started." He checked his watch. "I have personnel matters to discuss with the team. Briefing Monday, 0800."
He glanced at Sarah. "Ms. Winters, thank you again for your service."
The man disappeared before anyone could respond.
Sarah stood, reading the room. "I should... check on your labs. Make sure they're monitoring everything properly."
She squeezed Griff's hand once and left.
The moment the door closed, everyone turned on him.
"So," Ronan said, casual as a loaded weapon. "Sarah."
"What about her?"
"Don't play dumb," Izzy said. "You're in love with her."
"That's not?—"
"You took a bullet for her," Maya pointed out.
Kenji snorted. “He’s taken lots of bullets for lots of people. It’s what we do.”
“Yeah, but he didn’t complain about it,” Ronan pointed out.
Kenji’s eyes widened. “That is an excellent point.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “So, dude, you and Sarah? Tell us everything.”
"Came out of hiding for her," Axel contributed, then paused. "Wait, she bear-sprayed you and you still fell for her? That's true love."
"She needs normal," Griff insisted. "A regular life. Not our chaos."
"Right," Ronan said dryly. "Because dislocating your own thumb to stop terrorists screams 'wants normal life.'"
"Plus the Admiral wants—" Axel started.
"Shut it," Ronan cut him off sharply.
