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Being trusted.
Not just for the use of his skills — but for him.
It was as if the jigsaw puzzle of his life had finally found its missing piece.
But their reunion was marred by the pressing weight of time. It was only a matter of moments before his competitor would come looking for them. The man outside had been easy to spot: no-one else in the airport stood out quite like the large military-looking man staring intently at the men's room.
The man's mistake had been staring at the people coming out of the men's room-- but not the people goingin. Ryker had slipped in without being seen. "Listen, that asshole's lurking outside."
Caleb's face paled, his grip on Eli tightening protectively. "He won't wait long," he confirmed, his voice barely audible above the sounds of the busy restroom. "Hunter wants us on the next flight out of here."
Desperation danced in Caleb's eyes as he grasped Ryker's hand, pleading for help without words. Ryker could feel the heat of Caleb's palm against his own, a tangible reminder of the bond that had formed between them despite everything.
The weight of Caleb's hand in his own was a reminder of the trust placed upon him. The vision of every man who had ever used Caleb and discarded him like an unwanted trinket flashed through Hunter's mind.
He would not be another one of them. No, he would be the one to protect Caleb, even if it meant risking everything.
He had to get them out of here.
Ryker's thoughts raced, his mind a whirlwind of possibilities and consequences as he weighed his options. There weren't many. "Come with me," he instructed.
Caleb nodded, his gaze never leaving Ryker's as he silently communicated his trust.
Ryker guided Caleb and Eli to the last stall at the end of the row. The scent of disinfectant and bleach hung heavy in the air, doing little to mask the underlying odor of dampness and grime. Ryker ignored it all, focusing on the task at hand.
"Get in here, and stay quiet. Be ready to run," he told Caleb, his voice low and urgent. "The moment I call for you, take Eli and go.Fast. Head out, get your head down somewhere safe, and don't wait for me. I'll find you."
Caleb's eyes met Ryker's, a storm of emotion brewing within them. "And what about you?"
"I can handle myself." Ryker smiled. "You need to get Eli to safety. That's our priority."
With a grim nod, Caleb accepted the unspoken responsibility. Picking up Eli, he stepped into the small, cramped space of the stall, shielding the child as best he could.
Eli looked up at them both, wide-eyed and trusting. Caleb offered him a reassuring smile. "Stay quiet, okay, little guy?" Eli nodded solemnly.
Ryker closed the door on them, hiding them from view. Quickly and quietly, he made his way over to the entrance door, and stood behind it. Positioned behind the door, he waited.
His pulse thudded in his ears, each beat a countdown to the inevitable confrontation with Hunter. He stood tense and alert, every muscle coiled like a spring, ready to unleash the strength and determination that had served him so well throughout his life.
The air in the dingy airport bathroom seemed to thicken, every breath Ryker took weighed down with the gravity of their situation. His heart raced like a caged animal fighting for escape, and his palms grew slick with anxious sweat.
Bare moments later, the door creaked open.
It could have been an innocent passenger simply needing to piss -- but from the slow and steady way that the door opened, Ryker knew that wasn't the case.
The door swung open slowly, as if hesitant to disturb the heavy atmosphere. It swung toward Ryker, closing him off from view.
Then two deliberate footfalls echoed through the room, cautious and predatory. A voice called out. "Caleb, I know you're in here. Knock this off. I'm taking you home."
Ryker's hands tightened into fists.Not today, asshole.
Summoning all his strength, he swung the door back violently, slamming it straight into Hunter.
The impact reverberated through his bones, satisfying and brutal. "Surprise, fucker," Ryker growled, watching as Hunter stumbled back, momentarily off balance.
But Hunter was a professional, and he recovered quickly. His cold gray eyes narrowed in anger, and he spat blood on the floor. "You? I knew I should have shot you when I had the chance."
He lunged back at Ryker, his powerful body a weapon honed by years of violence. He swung at Ryker, furious and ruthless — and that was an opening. Ryker took the blow to the ribs, and seized hold of Hunter, locking the two of them together in combat. They crashed into the wall, swinging brutal blows at each other. "Caleb, go!"
