Page 427 of Broken Oath

SARAH

The cargo aircraft landed in Alaska beneath a gray morning sky.

Rain streaked across the windows.

Beyond the runway waited two unmarked medical transports, three black SUVs, and Captain Sam Cutter.

Sam stood alone near the hangar.

No government officials.

No cameras.

No armed welcoming committee claiming jurisdiction over the survivors.

Only someone Rook trusted.

That was exactly how we wanted it.

The rear ramp lowered.

Cold Alaskan air rushed inside.

Wade stood beside me.

He wore borrowed clothes beneath a heavy jacket. His hair was damp from the shower, and someone had trimmed his beard.

He still looked too thin.

Too tired.

But he looked like my brother again.

Dad stood on his other side.

For once, neither of us argued about who would stay closest to him.

Wade looked toward the open ramp.

“You ready?” I asked.

“No.”

It was the most honest answer he could have given.

I took his hand.

“We can wait.”

He shook his head.

“I’ve waited long enough.”

Eric Hale left first on a stretcher.

Dawson walked beside him.

Grant followed.