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“Jane Reilly. Jason’s sister.”
Pegasus lowered her weapon. “I heard he went dark. So it’s true then. Are you here about the Consortium?”
“Not this time. This is strictly a domestic issue. Jane’s ex landed her in some trouble. We could use some help.”
“Copy that. Get inside, both of you. We’ve obviously got catching up to do.”
Bridger motionedfor Jane to join them. As they headed to the cabin, he felt the knot in his chest loosen. They were safe here—for now.
As they followed Pegasus towards the log home, Bridger couldn’t help but notice how seamlessly the house blended into its surroundings. The structure seemed almost an extension of the wild landscape—a testament to Pegasus’s ability to adapt and thrive in any environment.
The interior was stunning in its simplicity: rugged yet refined, with rough-hewn beams overhead and polished hardwood floors underfoot. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the craggy cliffs outside. It was the kind of place that made you feel both humbled and strangely at home.
“Wow,” Jane breathed, taking it all in.
“Try not to get too comfortable,” Pegasus warned, her tone only half-joking. “I’m not a big one for company.”
“I promise we’ll do the dishes, Pegs,” Bridger quipped, earning a glare from his mentor.
As they settled in, it became apparent that the rustic charm of Pegasus’s home belied its true nature. Hidden discreetly throughout the space were state-of-the-art security systems, the kind that only someone with her unique skill set––or Tai’s––would know how to operate—or even recognize.
“Your taste in décor is still as impeccable as ever,” Bridger remarked, his eyes lingering on a strategically placed surveillance camera.
“Got to keep up appearances,” Pegasus replied, not missing a beat. “People who know the kinds of secrets we do don’t generally have long retirements.”
“True enough,” he conceded, aware of just how close to home her words hit.
While Pegs leftto gather her medical supplies and Jane showered upstairs, Bridger pulled out his phone and dialed Tai.
“Jane and I are safe,” he said the second the call connected. “We’re with Pegasus.”
“Good to hear,” Tai responded, relief evident in his voice. “Paige is working on the intel. She’ll contact you as soon as she has something.”
“Thanks, brother,” Bridger replied before ending the call. He slipped the phone back into his pocket, reassured that his team was on the case.
The scent of lavender hit his nose just before Jane appeared, freshly showered, in the doorway.
Concern etched her face. “Everything okay?”
Pegs returned carrying a tray of jars and ointments. She gave him a hard look. He could have sworn she was smiling. “It won’t be soon. Take a seat, North.”
Bridger winced as Pegasus swiped an antiseptic cloth over the bullet wound in his upper arm. Her movements were swift and clinical, not a hint of sympathy in her manner.
Bridger clutched the edge of the oak table, digging his fingers in, prepping for the waves of pain he knew were on the way.
Her attention laser focused on the wound, Pegasus probed for the bullet and grunted. “At least it’s through and through.”
She swabbed the entry and exit wounds with alcohol, making him suck in a breath.
Before he could gather his thoughts, she jabbed the needle into his skin, pulling the first stitch tight.
He forced himself not to flinch away. The pain he could take. Showing pain in front of Jane, not so much. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a terrible nurse?”
“Quit being such a baby,” Pegs chided, dabbing at the wound with brusque efficiency. “This isn’t the first time you’ve been shot. Probably won’t be the last.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Despite her no-nonsense demeanor, Bridger couldn’t help but feel grateful for her expertise. He wondered how many wounds she’d doctored over the decades since they’d first met. The number was likely higher than he could count.
