Avery managed a tight smile. “It has. Good to see you, Beck.”
He nodded toward the seat beside him. “Let’s get you strapped in. We’ll have you at headquarters in no time.”
Jackson climbed in after her, his gaze moving to the man in the back, already checking gear and keeping watch. Cal Granger. Another Crossfire Ops veteran and someone Avery clearly recognized.
“Cal,” she said, her voice raised over the rotors. “Any word from the kidnappers?”
Cal shook his head. “Nothing yet. Noah’s keeping every channel open, but whoever took them is staying quiet.”
Jackson settled into his seat, tightening the harness. “Then we move fast and stay alert,” he said.
Beck gave a sharp nod, flipping switches and bringing the engine to full power. “You got it, boss.”
The helicopter lifted off, rising above the wet fields and trees. The cabin below grew smaller, fading into the mist.
Jackson kept his eyes on the horizon. Every instinct told him the next move from the Brotherhood was coming.
He just didn’t know from where.
The flight was short, but the storm still chased them the whole way. When the clouds finally broke, Crossfire Ops headquarters came into view below.
The compound stretched across several acres of open land, surrounded by high fencing and motion sensors along the perimeter. Several large buildings dominated the center—command operations, weapons training, and tech. A landing strip cut through the far end of the property, with hangars positioned along its edge. Beyond that, smaller cabins and living quarters sat near the tree line, close enough for quick access but far enough to give the team a little privacy.
Beck guided the helicopter down with a steady hand, setting it smoothly onto the pad. As soon as the blades slowed, Jackson unbuckled his harness and motioned for Avery to follow him out. Cal climbed down behind them, his rifle slung and ready.
The air smelled like wet concrete and jet fuel. Jackson led Avery across the tarmac and into the main building. The security door slid open at their approach, revealing Noah Riggs waiting inside.
His gait was uneven, boots thudding with a slight mechanical rhythm. The prosthetic wasn’t obvious unless you knew to look, but Jackson had studied his file years ago and knew the story. Noah was in his late forties, tall and lean, his face weathered by the sun and something deeper. Combat lines marked his features, but it was the quiet in his eyes that spoke louder than any scar. He moved with purpose, every step deliberate, every word measured.
“Good to have you both back in one piece,” Noah said. His gaze shifted between Jackson and Avery. “You look like hell.”
Jackson gave a dry half-smile. “You should see the other guys.”
Noah didn’t smile back. “I’ve already seen what’s left of your house, so I’ll take your word for it.” He turned toward the hall. “Come on. We’ve got work to do.”
Jackson fell in step beside him, the familiar hum of Crossfire Ops filling the air. Avery followed close behind, her eyes wide as she took in the controlled chaos of the command center.
For the first time in hours, Jackson felt something close to steady ground beneath his boots. But he knew better than to think it would last.
The storm wasn’t done yet.
Beck gave them a quick salute before heading back toward the hangar. “I’ll refuel and stay on standby,” he said. “Holler if you need me.”
“Appreciate it,” Jackson said.
When Beck was gone, Noah turned back to them. He handed Avery a canvas bag. “Clothes and toiletries,” he said. “If you need anything else, the supply room’s down that hall.” He motioned toward a corridor on the right.
“Thank you,” Avery said softly. She took the bag and slipped away to the nearest bathroom to change.
Jackson watched her go, the weight of everything they’d been through settling over him again. When the door shut behind her, he turned to Noah.
“This is eating her alive,” Jackson said. “She’s not going to sit here and do nothing. She’ll want to trade herself for those hostages.”
Noah nodded once, his expression tight. “Yeah, I figured. But let’s work the problem first. There’s no way I’m handing her over, and I know you won’t either.”
Jackson exhaled hard and rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re running out of time.”
“Then we use it smart,” Noah said. He met Jackson’s eyes, calm but unyielding. “We find the leverage before they do.”
