"The pattern of deaths, the security protocols at your company—they're not typical for a rug import business."
Sabrina stared at her glass of water. "I've had those thoughts too, but I couldn't let myself believe it. Dad was... he was honorable. Whatever he was doing, he believed it was right."
"I believe that too," Walker said softly. "But honorable men can get caught in dangerous situations."
More silence fell between them.
"I need to contact my mother," Sabrina finally said. "She must be terrified."
Walker nodded. "We'll use a secure line. But first, I need to know everyone who might be compromised. Who had access to your schedule today?"
She frowned. "My assistant, the security team, board members..."
"And who knew you reached out to my brother, Reed?"
Sabrina's eyes widened. "Just my mother. And Henry. I told Henry everything."
Walker's expression hardened. "That's what I was afraid of."
His phone buzzed with a text from Reed: Package arrived safely?
Walker replied: Yes. Starting phase two.
He put the phone down and met Sabrina's questioning gaze. "We need to get some rest. Tomorrow, we start finding answers."
She nodded; exhaustion etched in every line of her face. "Walker?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For saving my life today."
The center of his heart squeezed. Usually, saving people was just part of the job, but today felt … was personal. He gave her a half-smile. "That's what I do. That's part of this mission."
"Is it?" she asked quietly. "Is that all this is to you? A mission?"
The question hung between them, laden with fourteen years of unspoken words.
"Get some rest, Sabrina," he said finally. "I'll take first watch."
She went into the little room and crawled into the bed, but left the door open. Maybe she'd left it open because she was comforted by his presence.
He didn't know. He moved to the window, checking for … anything.
Outside, darkness had fallen completely, the forest black and silent around them.
He touched the scar on his shoulder unconsciously, remembering the bullet that had nearly killed him in Kandahar. That hadn't been his closest call—not by far.
He could hear Sabrina's breathing had already deepened into sleep.
Despite everything, Walker felt a strange peace settle over him. Whatever was coming, at least he could protect her.
Chapter 6
Sabrina
Sabrina woke disoriented, memories of gunfire and chaos from the previous day flooding back as she recognized her surroundings. The smell of coffee and something cooking drew her to the kitchen.
Walker stood at the stove, his back to her as he flipped pancakes with mechanical precision.
