Chapter 27

27

Jason woke at dawn, his body clock stubbornly adhering to years of military routine. He dressed quickly, throwing on workout clothes and a hoodie, then fixed himself a cup of coffee in the small kitchen of his private cabin and headed straight for the barn. The gym was quiet, the early morning light filtering through the high windows. He breathed in the familiar scent of leather and sweat, relishing the moment of peace before the day began.

Settling onto a weight bench, Jason set his coffee aside and reached for a pair of dumbbells. He was just about to start his first set when the door creaked open. Alex shuffled in, her hair a messy halo around her face. She paused, blinking as she took in the impressive array of equipment.

Jason watched her curiously, dumbbells forgotten in his hands. He’d never seen her like this—sleep-rumpled and unguarded. It was oddly endearing.

“Wow, you guys don’t mess around,” Alex said, running her hand along a sleek rowing machine.

Jason shrugged, setting the weights down. “Can’t afford to in our line of work.”

He observed silently as Alex moved around the gym, her initial grogginess giving way to growing interest. She nodded appreciatively, moving to inspect a rack of free weights. “Nice. Very nice.”

Her gaze landed on a pair of boxing gloves hanging nearby. She picked them up, testing their weight. “These yours?”

“Yep,” Jason replied, standing up from the bench. “You box?”

Alex’s expression shifted, a hint of vulnerability flickering across her features. “Not really. I mean, I’ve thrown a few punches, but nothing formal.” She hesitated, then added softly, “Actually, I was wondering if ... maybe you could show me a few moves?”

Jason blinked, surprised by the request. Alex didn’t seem the type to ask for help easily. The fact that she was asking him, trusting him to teach her, felt significant somehow.

“Of course,” he said, trying to keep his tone casual. “I’d be happy to show you some basics.”

“Thanks. I figure in our line of work, it can’t hurt to know a bit more about hand-to-hand combat.”

It took guts to admit a weakness, especially for someone as fiercely independent as Alex.

“Alright,” he said, stepping onto the mat. “Let’s start with your stance. It’s the foundation for everything else.”

He demonstrated, then watched as Alex mirrored his position. “Good. Now, let’s work on a basic jab.”

For the next hour, Jason guided Alex through various punches and defensive moves. He was impressed by her focus and determination. She absorbed each lesson quickly, adapting her technique with each repetition.

“You’re a natural,” he commented as she executed a perfect cross-punch.

Alex grinned, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple. “I’ve got a good teacher.”

The compliment warmed him more than he cared to admit. There was something satisfying about sharing his knowledge, about watching Alex grow more confident with each new skill.

By the time they collapsed onto a bench, both were breathing hard.

“Thanks, Army. This was really helpful.”

He nodded, feeling a strange mix of pride and humility. “Anytime, Mendoza. Anything for the team.”

Alex’s smile was softer than he’d ever seen it. “Right. Team.”

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the air between them charged with a new understanding.

Then Alex’s eyes lit up with a familiar mischievous glint. “My turn to teach. Grab that tablet.”

Jason complied, curiosity piqued. “What, gonna show me how to Google better?”

She rolled her eyes. “Cute. No, I’m going to show you how to access secure databases without leaving a trace. Pay attention, this could save your life someday.”

As she delved into the intricacies of digital infiltration, Jason found himself genuinely impressed. Her fingers flew across the screen, explaining complex concepts in ways that even his tech-challenged brain could grasp. Though quickly his mind filled up. The steps started to blend together. Not that he’d admit it.

Luckily, Mason texted.

Strategy session in the main house. Now .

“The team’s up and ready to roll,” he told her, leading her toward the house.

As the group settled into the ranch house’s cozy living room, the atmosphere shifted from playful to focused. Tai leaned against the fireplace, watching his friends interact. The scent of coffee mingled with the faint aroma of pine from the crackling fire.

“Alright, folks,” he began, “we need a solid plan to take down Seven-Five. Any thoughts on our next move?”

Jason sank down in the closest chair, totally tapped out. They’d been up against this group for years now, ever since its first incarnation as the Consortium. The never-ending whack-a-mole was getting seriously stale.

Tai rubbed the back of his neck. “Going after another low-level player is too risky. We need to aim higher.”

“What about Gravy’s father?” Fenn suggested. “The general might be our ticket to unraveling this whole mess.”

Kate frowned, her fingers drumming against her thigh. “That could take too long. Whether he disappeared on his own, or Seven-Five grabbed him, we’ll be lucky to get a bead on him quickly. Assuming he’s even still alive.”

Jason nodded, trying to ignore the dull ache in his side. “Agreed. We need a more immediate target. Someone we can squeeze for serious intel. Someone the organization might even want back.”

“I’ve got something,” Cody called from his position at the computer. With a few swift keystrokes, the wall-mounted monitors flickered to life.

Three faces appeared on the screens, each exuding a chilling sense of wealth and arrogance. Or maybe that was just his take.

“Meet our potential targets,” Cody announced. “All former higher-ups in the Consortium who’ve managed to hold onto their positions during the transition to Seven-Five.”

Jason stepped closer, examining each face in turn. Cody would know. He’d spent years trapped into working as a Consortium operative. He’d managed to work as an effective undercover agent, sending out valuable intel on the organization, until he was able to break free a few months ago.

“First up, Yuki Tanaka,” Cody began. “Japanese tech mogul, rumored to be a significant Seven-Five’s financial backer. Currently in Tokyo.”

Jason’s gaze shifted to the next image. “And this sketchy dude?”

“Aleksandr Volkov. Russian oil tycoon with ties to several government officials. Last known location: Moscow.”

“Not exactly in our backyard,” Jason muttered. “Who’s our third option?”

Paige took over, her lips curved into a small smile. “That would be Charles Ellison Winthrop III. Old money, new corruption. And currently ...”

“In San Francisco,” Alex finished, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

The entire room stared at her. Jason, too. He couldn’t help it. “And you know this, how?”

She rolled her eyes. Hard. “Much as I hate to admit it. He’s my people.”

Jason’s jaw dropped. “You’re related ?”

Paige snorted. “No. Duh. Alex means he’s high society. Right?” The pink highlights in her hair caught the light as she turned to Alex.

“Bingo.” Alex caught his eye. “I do venture out of the bat cave on occasion to keep up appearances. Which means I have to pretend I have some idea what other trust-fund baby socialites are up to.” Her sheepish grin could have melted butter. “The price of doing business.”

No doubt. He grinned back and scrutinized the doughy-faced rich dude. Adrenaline surged. “That’s doable. What’s his story?”

As Paige and Cody told them about Winthrop’s background, Jason found his attention split between the information and Alex’s reactions. She clearly had no idea Winthrop Three was involved with Seven-Five.

Why would she? She’d clearly crossed the organization’s path in her work, but they weren’t her focus. Her mind was clearly racing, connecting dots he couldn’t even see yet. It was ... impressive, if he was being honest.

“So,” he said, drawing everyone’s focus back to him, “looks like we’re headed to San Francisco. Any objections?”

The team exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and determination on their faces. This was what they lived for. The chase. The challenge. The chance to make a difference.

But as his eyes met Alex’s, he felt an unfamiliar flutter in his chest. This mission was different. She was different.

For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t entirely sure what the outcome would be—for the mission, or for his heart.

After a hurried breakfast, the team dove deep into planning mode.

Freshly printed maps and blueprints sprawled across the dining table, mingling with half-empty coffee mugs and discarded snack wrappers.

Jason leaned in, his finger tracing a path on the San Francisco map. “So, we infiltrate Winthrop’s charity gala here, while Tai and Fenn set up surveillance on the perimeter.”

Paige nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. “I can hack into their security feed, give us eyes inside and out.”

“And I can get us in,” Alex added.

“Not. Gonna. Happen.” Jason cringed. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

“She’s perfect,” Tai said.

Mason and Graham echoed the thought.

Alex simply turned away from him and lifted her phone, texting quickly. She’d barely hit send when it dinged. She smiled straight at him. “We’re in. Five tickets. You all have formal wear, I hope.”

Tai and Fenn did a high five. “Everybody but Cave Man here,” Tai jerked a thumb at Jason. “But I can hook him up.”

“In your dreams, dude. No way your old tux would fit me. I’d shred the shoulders.”

Tai laughed. “Don’t worry, little man. I still have the suit from my high school prom. I was way smaller then. Plus, the powder blue’ll go with your eyes.” He batted his own thick lashes Jason’s way.

The fear lodged tight in his belly eased a centimeter or two. Alex would be fine. She’d be surrounded by his team. Safer with them than back in LA.

The plan took shape, each team member contributing their expertise. As they ironed out the details, Jason couldn’t help but admire the seamless way Alex integrated with his team. It was like she’d always been there, filling a gap he hadn’t realized existed.

“Graham will stay back with Bridger,” he added. “They’ll guard Jane and the families.”

A chorus of agreement rippled through the room. Family always came first.

“Oh!” Alex’s exclamation cut through the chatter. “I almost forgot. We got DNA results from Gabe’s attacker. Nothing came up on our databases, but I’m thinking you’ve got more resources.”

Paige’s eyes lit up. “Send it over. I’ll run it through my channels, have an ID ASAP.”

A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Mason, the team’s resident strong, silent type, stood beside him, his eyes knowing.

“Worried about your girl going into battle?” Mason’s voice was low, meant only for Jason’s ears.

Jason bristled. “She’s not my—I mean, we’re not?—”

Mason chuckled. “I get it. I’m engaged to Avery, remember? Frontline Federal Agent. It’s not easy, watching them walk into danger.”

“How do you handle it?” The question slipped out before Jason could stop it.

“Prayer,” Mason replied solemnly. “Lots and lots of prayer.”

Jason snorted. “Right. Well, Alex and I aren’t ... we’re not anything.”

Mason’s eyes twinkled. “Yet,” he said, before sauntering away.

Jason stood there, stunned. He and Alex weren’t ... they couldn’t be ... could they?

The thought sent a jolt through him, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.