Page 30 of Final Sins
As they stepped out of the car, the sound of crashing waves filled the air. A cool, salty breeze caressed Alex’s face, providing welcome relief after hours in the stuffy vehicle.
“This is not terrible,” Alex admitted, drinking in the view. Moonlight danced on the water far below, and the house seemed to float above it all, a perfect blend of luxury and seclusion.
Jason chuckled, retrieving their meager belongings from the trunk. “Don’t get too comfortable. We’re still on the run, remember?”
Alex sighed, following him up the path to the front door. “A girl can dream, can’t she? In another life, this would make one hell of a romantic getaway.”
She caught the raised eyebrow Jason shot her way and quickly added, “You know, if I wasn’t stuck here with G.I. Joe.”
As Jason worked the high-tech lock, Alex couldn’t help but marvel at the house’s eco-friendly design. Solar panels gleamed in the moonlight, and she spotted a sophisticated rainwater collection system.
The door swung open, revealing an interior that was just as impressive. Her tired eyes widened at the sight of plush furniture, state-of-the-art appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the breathtaking ocean view.
“Okay,” she breathed, a smile tugging at her lips despite her exhaustion. “I officially forgive you for the shirt.”
She sank into the plush sofa, letting the rhythmic crash of waves wash over her. The house smelled of cedar and sea salt, a soothing combination that eased some of the tension from her shoulders. Jason moved efficiently around the space, gathering firewood and arranging logs in the massive stone fireplace. Soon, a warm glow filled the room, chasing away the lingering chill. Alex found herself studying the play of firelight across Jason’s features, the way it softened the hard lines of his face.
Shaking herself, she stood abruptly. “I’ll check the security system.”
As her fingers flew over the touchscreen panel, bringing up camera feeds and perimeter sensors, her mind wandered. What would it be like to have a normal life? To come to a place like this for a romantic weekend, instead of as a fugitive?
She snorted softly. As if she’d ever been a “real girl.”
“Everything secure?” Jason’s voice startled her from her reverie.
She turned to find him in the kitchen, deftly cracking eggs into a bowl. “Since when do Army guys cook?”
He flashed a grin that made her heart skip a beat. “We’re full of surprises. Hope you like omelets.”
As Jason worked his culinary magic, Alex perched on a barstool, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma of cheese and herbs. “I’m worried about Gabriel,” she admitted softly.
Jason’s movements slowed for a moment. “I know the feeling. Gravy’s tough, but ...” He trailed off, focusing intently on folding the omelet.
“But he’s family,” Alex finished. Their eyes met in silent understanding.
When Jason slid the plates onto the counter, Alex was surprised to see him bow his head slightly. “Mind if we say grace?”
A warmth that had nothing to do with the fire spread through her chest. “I’d like that.”
Their quiet “amen” seemed to linger in the air, a moment of peace before reality crashed back in.
As they ate—the omelet was annoyingly delicious—she leaned forward. “So, what’s our next move?”
Jason’s expression turned serious. “We need to figure out who Seven-Five is after. Is it Gravy? Me and my team? Yours?”
“Or all of the above,” Alex nodded, her mind already racing. “We should start by cross-referencing our missions from the past year. Look for any overlaps, shared targets, or common locations. There might be a pattern we’ve missed.”
Jason frowned, shaking his head. “That could take weeks. We don’t have that kind of time. I say we track down one of Seven-Five’s low-level operatives and squeeze them for information.”
She jumped to her feet. “And how exactly do you propose we do that without tipping our hand? We can’t just grab someone off the street and hope they know something useful.”
So much for feeling all warm and cozy. She paced the length of the living room, her bare feet silent on the polished hardwood. The moonlight streaming through the windows cast long shadows, mirroring the twisting paths of her thoughts.
Jason leaned against the fireplace, his face etched with frustration. “We need to lure their hunters into the open. Hit them back,” he suggested, for what felt like the hundredth time.
“Sure. How about we just blow something up?” Alex cut in, exasperation clear in her voice. “What we need is intel.”
He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it further. “Sitting around playing mind games isn’t exactly my style.”