Page 236 of Broken Oath

Wade’s name.

Six days ago.

Her control remained intact, but Rook saw the strain in the way she held herself.

He wanted to reach for her hand.

He didn’t.

Not with the entire team watching.

Not when she might need the space more than the contact.

Fathom opened the copied file inside an isolated system.

Video filled the monitor.

A concrete room.

Metal table.

Two chairs.

Wade sat in one of them.

Sarah released a sharp breath.

The photograph had shown only his profile.

The video showed everything.

He was older.

A scar ran from his temple toward his jaw. His dark hair touched the back of his neck. Exhaustion carved shadows beneath his eyes.

But he was alive.

Six days ago, Wade Parker had sat in that room breathing.

Sarah placed one hand against the edge of the workstation.

A second person sat across from him, beyond the camera’s view.

A distorted voice entered the recording.

“State your designation.”

Wade stared toward the unseen interviewer.

“Go to hell.”

Sniper smiled.

“I like him.”

Despite everything, the smallest sound escaped Sarah.

Half laugh.