Page 82 of Broken Oath

“By who?”

“Commander Jerry Rhodes delivered the order.”

Another name on the list.

Sniper holstered his weapon.

“You retired last year.”

Reef looked at him. “I remember.”

“You’re supposed to be drinking beer on a beach.”

“I tried that.”

“And?”

“I hate sand.”

Despite everything, Rook almost laughed.

Reef’s expression grew serious again.

“I retired eleven months before the ambush. Falcon left three months after me. Shark transferred to private maritime security. Maverick took an instructor position. Cobra disappeared into demolition work that probably violates laws in several countries.”

“They weren’t on the mountain,” Rook said.

“No.”

“But they knew everyone who was.”

Reef looked toward the memorial table.

“I served with Hammer for seven years. Ghost saved my life in Yemen. Viking was my best friend.”

His voice faltered at the last word.

Only slightly.

But Rook heard it.

“Tex taught me how to fish. Ridge carried me three miles after I was shot. Bishop trained every one of us.”

Reef faced him.

“They weren’t only your brothers.”

The words landed hard.

Rook had been carrying the dead as though they belonged to him alone.

They didn’t.

Six families had buried them.

Dozens of operators had fought beside them.

Hundreds of people had loved them.