Chapter 77

Jake heldthe phone to his ear counting the rings. When the call finally connected, he didn't expect the voice on the other end.

"Shepard residence," a familiar twang greeted.

"Jenks? What's wrong? What are you doing at Wade's?"

"It's called friendship, Jacob. Look it up."

"Jenkins! Did something happen to my mother?"

The fear in his voice must've gotten through to her, because Remi Jenkins sighed, her tone softer when she answered. "No. She's fine, or as fine as can be expected all things considered. I just came out here to give Wade a hand since I've found myself with some unexpected free time."

Jake knew the jab was directed at him. And deservedly so. "How's Wade?"

"The man's a bona fide saint," Jenkins replied. "I honestly don't know how he does it. I've been here for 48 hours, and I'm exhausted just watching him."

"That's because he's Air Force. Still thinks he's flying solo. Doesn't let anyone pitch in," Jake teased.

Jenkins chuckled. "That's rich coming from you, G. I. Joe."

Jake's eyes crinkled as he grinned. He missed this. The banter he'd always shared with Jenkins. She was so much more than his boss. Remi Jenkins had many titles. His uncle's best friend. The woman who helped raise him. Role model. Mentor. Friend. And most importantly, family.

"Jenks … I'm sorry." Jake sputtered the words, eager to spit out the foreign taste. What the hell was happening to him? He didn't do promises or apologies. Now in the span of a few days he'd done both.

"You've been a real ass, you know that?"

"I do," he admitted.

"Well, at least you can admit it."

"Thanks for being out there while I can't."

"Jake, you're the one who should be out here. I know you know that."

"I tried, Jenks. I was just making things worse."

"I don't believe that's true."

Jake exhaled, the heaviness returning to his chest. "We all have our strengths," he admitted. Wade was the saint. Remi their strength. Jake the soldier. He could serve them best by hunting down the only solution to this problem: his father.

"How's that going?" Jenkins asked, knowing what he meant in that unspoken way of hers.

"I've got a possible lead." But before she could respond, he added, "Don't get Wade's hopes up. It's early. There's still a lot to flush out."

"Well, if there's anyone who can get it done, it's you."

The sentiment and pressure of her statement churned in his gut. "Tell Wade I called."

"I will. I …" she paused. "Your mother …" she paused again, unable to find the words.

"Tell it to me straight, Jenks."

"I don't think she has much time left."

Jake swallowed hard. "Roger that," was all he could manage.

"Take care of yourself, Jake."

"You, too."

Jake hung up the phone and pulled the yellow Post-it note from his pocket. He'd waited long enough.