Page 306 of Broken Oath

Twenty-nine years old.

Grinning at something outside the frame.

Alive.

Happy.

Free.

The photograph was worn at the edges from years of handling.

Years of hope.

Years of refusing to let him go.

She traced one finger over her brother’s face.

For five years, she had carried the picture everywhere.

Across borders.

Through safe houses.

Into rooms where powerful men lied to her.

It was proof that Wade had existed beyond a casualty report.

Proof that he had laughed.

Loved.

Lived.

She slipped the photograph into the pocket beneath her tactical vest.

Close to her heart.

Across from her, Sniper noticed.

He didn’t say anything at first.

Then his voice came through her headset.

“He’s stubborn, isn’t he?”

Sarah looked up. “What?”

“Wade.”

A faint smile touched her lips.

The first one I had seen in hours.

“Most stubborn man I’ve ever met.”

Sniper grinned.

“Good.”