“Oh, my god,” Master Chief stated, his tone knowing. The formidable man began reciting the Lord’s Prayer just as the bridge beneath their spinning tires gave way.
Much like the time his friends talked him into riding his first roller coaster, Jordan’s stomach flew into his throat. Briggs screamed again, shouting for her husband and saying she didn’t want to die. Owens prayed louder, and Jordan braced himself as best he could.
The vehicle tipped mid-air, water and rocks rushing toward them at a deadly speed. In the seconds that followed, Jordan was both astonished and heartbroken as everything seemed to move in slow motion.
Scenes from his thirty-two years began flashing through his mind.
His mother’s loving kisses and hugs. His father teaching him how to fish. The moment he saw his beloved wife for the very first time. Watching her walk toward him in a flowing, white gown.
He could still hear the words, “I’m pregnant” coming through the speakers of his computer screen back at base.
As they continued to fall, Jordan thought of his unborn son. A son he’d never get the chance to meet. Stacey would be a fantastic mother, just as his own had been before cancer stole her away from him.
Knowing he’d be with his mom again offered him a tiny sliver of peace. The knowledge that he’d never see the love of his life again shattered that peace all to hell.
I love you, Stacey. I’m so sorry, baby.
In his final moments, Jordan yanked the picture back out of his pocket. He prayed with everything he had that his son would grow up knowing just how much he loved him.
He prayed for Stacey, hoping she would somehow find a way to move on from this and be happy again.
Jordan was still staring at the picture, praying for his family, when the truck crashed into the unforgiving riverbed, destroying every dream he’d had ever had.
Chapter 1
Six Years Later...
Grant Hill pushed open the glass door and stepped into his place of employment. R.I.S.C.—which stood for Rescue, Intel, Security, and Capture. The former SEAL had worked for the elite, private security company a few years now, after he’d decided to leave the Navy.
Working closely with Homeland, both Alpha and Bravo—R.I.S.C.’s two security teams—were made up of former-military operators recruited for their specific skills and expertise.
Executing both government sanctioned ops and jobs for private citizens, the teams’ duties include everything from playing bodyguard to finding and eliminating enemies of the United States.
It was like being a SEAL without all the red-tape, bureaucracy bullshit. And Grant loved it.
“Good morning, Grant.”
