She takes it.
Keeping our heads low, we jog away from the helicopter and toward the building.
“We’re playing soccer?” she asks, excitement coloring her voice.
I don’t answer her; I smile as we continue toward the building.
I’m dressed in black joggers, a white t-shirt, and sneakers. Serenity wears navy leggings, a yellow sweatshirt, and white sneakers. It’s seldom I dress down outside our home. But today is an athletic yet comfortable kind of day.
Several black SUVs filled with our soldiers sit parked near the entrance.
Reacher holds the door open for us.
“Hello, Reacher,” Serenity says.
“Boss,” he replies with a grin.
I nod and clap him on the shoulder as we pass.
Stepping inside, I slip an earpiece into my ear and follow closely behind my wife.
The arena is dark.
Quiet.
The only sound comes from our footsteps echoing through the massive space.
I pull open the doors leading to the main field.
Serenity steps through first.
Instantly, her hand drops to the Glock resting in her waist holster.
Always ready.
Always prepared.
“Wife, there’s no need for that right now.”
I motion toward the field.
“Keep walking.”
She does as she’s told.
“Lights, please,” I say through the earpiece. I peek up at Catch in the well-lit control booth.
“Yes, sir.” He snaps off a playful salute.
A second later, the stadium lights roar to life.
Brilliant white light floods the arena.
The artificial turf glows emerald green beneath our feet.
The shadows disappear.
The tension leaves Serenity’s shoulders as she takes in her surroundings.
