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48
Bridger sank onto the edge of his bed, tired but elated. Only two more nights in his cabin as a bachelor. Sunday, he’d finally make Jane and Kellen officially his family. The thought filled him with a joy so huge, he didn’t have words.
His only regret was that he hadn’t been able to contact Jason. He wasn’t even sure if Jane’s brother had received his messages about the wedding. Jane took the news well, of course, but he felt terrible he couldn’t give her the one gift she truly wanted—her only sibling here to walk her down the aisle.
Sending up a quick prayer of thanks despite everything, Bridger was interrupted by a familiar ringtone he hadn’t heard in weeks. Jason’s secure line.
Fumbling, he snatched up the phone just before voicemail. “Jason? I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Bridger! Good to hear your voice, man,” Jason’s voice came through the phone. The guy sounded exhausted. “I’ve gotta make this quick. I’ve only got a minute. Look, I can’t make the wedding. It’s too risky to show my face. No big shock, I’m sure. I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry.”
Bridger swallowed his disappointment. It wasn’t like Jason’s announcement was a surprise. “I hear you. If you’d let us help, we can finish this and get you home.”
“So you two are really doing this,” Jason kidded, ignoring Bridger’s offer, as usual.
No use fighting it. Jason would accept the team’s help when he was good and ready. Or not. “Copy that. I can’t wait. The only downside is the new brother-in-law, but what are you gonna do?” he teased.
“I feel you, dude. I’m dealing with the same issue. Guy’s a real dingleberry. What’s my sister thinking?”
Bridger laughed. “Right? There’s no accounting for taste.”
“Seriously.”
After a solemn pause, Bridger asked, “Jason, why are you after the Consortium anyway? And why now? They haven’t bothered us since we resigned.”
Jason hesitated, then replied, “I uncovered classified plans. They’re developing an advanced AI system at one of their shell companies.”
Bridger felt a chill. “AI?”
“Yeah. This tech could be adapted for autonomous weapons, lethal decision making,” Jason said grimly. “It’s incredibly dangerous in their hands.”
Bridger could hear shuffling papers. He imagined Jason in some dark, dank excuse for a motel room.
“They’ll sell this AI to the highest bidder,” Jason continued. “And you know the kinds of buyers they have.”
Bridger absorbed this with dawning alarm. An AI arms race spearheaded by the Consortium? Situation Critical.
“I have to stop them, Bridger. This can’t be unleashed in the world,” Jason said, steely conviction resonating through the phone. “No matter what it takes.”
“You don’t have to do this alone. We’re a team, dude.”
Jason was silent for a long moment. “I’ll...consider it,” he conceded.
Bridger let out a breath. That was progress with Jason. “Thank you. We’re here for you, whatever you need.”
“Actually, that leads me to a favor. It’s part of my wedding present,” Jason continued slowly. “I’m going to need Tai’s and Paige’s help to pull it off, though. Mason, too.”
Bridger sat up straighter. “Of course. They’re in. No question.”
“I figured.” Jason outlined his idea.
By the time he was finished, Bridger was grinning from ear to ear. “Outstanding. Jane’s gonna love it. There will be tears. Just a warning.”
Jason’s laugh sounded way too rusty. “Well duh. We all know you’re a huge crybaby, North. My sis might even shed a tear or two.”
“Doubtful.”
Bridger’s teasing drew another laugh. “I’ll be in touch with details soon. And Bridger—congratulations. Seriously. I could not ask for a better brother-in-law. Jane and Kellen are truly blessed, my man. Take care of them,” Jason finished solemnly.
