Walker joined Henry, both men moving in practiced patterns to secure the perimeter. The clearing appeared empty, but Walker's instincts were screaming that something wasn't right.
Then he heard it—the distant sound of helicopter rotors, growing steadily louder.
"Incoming," he called to Henry. "Sounds like a single chopper."
They watched as a black helicopter appeared above the treeline, hovering briefly before beginning its descent into the clearing.
Walker kept his weapon ready, eyes locked on the aircraft as it touched down. The side door slid open, and a familiar figure emerged.
His brother, dressed in tactical gear rather than his usual business suit, approached with purposeful strides.
"We need to move," Reed called over the noise of the rotors. "Now. We've confirmed Kraslov is mobilizing. He knows we have the evidence."
Walker waved Sabrina forward from the truck. She ran to join them, the wind from the helicopter blades whipping her hair around her face. Walker's arm came around her shoulders instinctively, guiding her toward the waiting aircraft.
As they boarded, Reed gripped Walker's shoulder. "It's worse than we thought. Kraslov has reach into multiple agencies. We can't trust anyone outside our immediate circle."
Walker helped Sabrina into a seat, buckling her in before taking the spot beside her. "What's the plan?"
"Safe house in Canada," Reed replied as the helicopter lifted off. "Off-grid, secure. We regroup, analyze the evidence, build our case."
Henry settled across from them, his weathered face grim. "And Thomas?"
"In the wind," Reed confirmed. "But we're tracking him. He'll lead us to Kraslov."
Walker felt Sabrina tense beside him. Instinctively, his hand found hers, fingers intertwining. She glanced at him, surprise flickering in her eyes before she squeezed back, accepting the comfort and connection.
"How much danger are we in?" she asked Reed directly.
Reed's expression was grave. "Significant. Kraslov controls a network within multiple intelligence communities. He has resources, connections, and very little to lose now that he knows we're onto him."
"But we have the evidence," Walker stated.
"We have pieces," Reed corrected. "We need more to ensure a conviction. And more importantly, we need to ensure the evidence reaches the right people—those not in Kraslov's pocket."
Sabrina leaned slightly against Walker's shoulder, the contact subtle but deliberate. "So what's our next move?"
"We analyze everything you've collected," Reed replied. "And we plan our counterattack very carefully."
The helicopter flew north, leaving U.S. airspace behind as they crossed into Canada.
Walker remained vigilant, his senses alert for any sign of pursuit or danger. But beneath the tactical awareness, another part of him remained focused on the woman beside him—her steady breathing, the warmth of her hand in his, the quiet strength she continued to display.
Fourteen years ago, he'd loved a girl. Now, in the midst of danger and conspiracy, he was discovering the woman she'd become. And despite his best efforts to maintain professional distance, to focus on the mission, he was falling for her all over again—harder, deeper, with the certainty that comes from knowing exactly what you stand to lose.
Chapter 12
Sabrina looked out the window of the helicopter as it descended toward a clearing in the dense Canadian wilderness. The cabin—Reed had called it a safe house—was nestled among thick trees, hidden from prying eyes and at least twenty miles from the nearest town.
When they landed, she discovered they weren't actually at their destination yet.
"Security measure," Reed explained as they began walking. "No direct connection between the transportation and the location."
Throughout the half-mile hike along rough terrain, Sabrina was acutely aware of Walker's presence beside her. His hand occasionally touched the small of her back, guiding her, steadying her. Each brief contact sent warmth through her body, a reminder of the connection they were rebuilding amid chaos.
Sabrina wasn't sure what she'd expected from a safe house, but the luxury of the cabin's interior surprised her. Modern furniture filled the space, alongside a state-of-the-art kitchen and what appeared to be a comprehensive security system.
"Star Enterprises executive retreat," Reed explained, noticing her raised eyebrows. "Legitimate business cover for a very secure facility."
