Prologue

PROLOGUE

Former Second Lieutenant Kaden Black loved his morning runs along the coast.

There wasn't much to look at, considering the ocean was always covered in fog and the sand beneath his feet was dense and clumped, but he enjoyed the cold puffs of exhales leading his path and the chill of the salted air keeping his sweat at bay.

And he absolutely adored being away from his computer, if only for a little while.

He'd recently transitioned to civilian life, securing a job as a cybersecurity consultant for a high-profile tech firm. Because the sedentary work was so demanding on his mind and body, his quiet hour of running beside the rising sun grounded him. He'd finish by doing deep stretches on his driveway, then creak open the door to the screened-in porch and make a Sunday brunch for him and Cassandra on a Friday.

His daughter just graduated from middle school and made the swim team for next year. He was so proud of her, he wouldn't even comment on the red licorice he was positive she was sneaking while he was out. She was obsessed with that candy.

Being a single dad, a former officer, and now a cybersecurity consultant made for a busy, adrenaline-induced life that even had his weekends fully booked, but he fucking lived for it and wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Engrossed in whimsical daydreams of smoky bacon and velvety pancake stacks drizzled in honey, he was oblivious to the rhythmic thumping echoing nearby.

Far too absorbed in planning the start of his weekend with Cassie, Kaden turned a blind ear to what should have arrested him on the spot.

He'd never register the blood-curdling female screams for help.

His daughter, it seemed, was buried far too deep underground for her desperate cries to reach him.