Page 48 of Final Sins

“But nothing.” His friend cut him off. “You two need to get your hind ends to Redemption Creek. Now.”

And Bridger didn’t even know about the helo attack yet.

In the background, Jason saw teammates nodding in agreement. Tai leaned into the frame, his usually jovial face serious. “Your rear end’s hanging way out there, my man.”

“Guys, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not bringing this fight to your doorstep.”

Graham’s voice carried from off-screen. “And we can’t risk losing you two out there on your own. We’re stronger together. You know that.”

Jason looked at Alex, seeing the conflict in her eyes. They were at a crossroads. Whatever decision they made now would shape everything that followed.

Kate appeared next to Bridger, her eyes blazing. “Jason Reilly, if you and Alex don’t get yourselves down here right now, I swear I’ll?—”

Her threat was cut short as Jane waddled into view, her pregnant belly leading the way. Jason’s heart clenched at the sight of his sister. She looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, but there was a determined set to her jaw.

“Jase, please,” Jane said, her voice soft but firm. “We need you here. Safe.”

His sister’s words hit him like a physical blow, piercing straight through his carefully constructed defenses. In that moment, he saw not just his pregnant sister, but the girl he’d left behind years ago. The one who’d waved goodbye as he set off for basic training, who’d sent care packages during his deployments, who’d waited anxiously for his rare phone calls.

He remembered the worry in her eyes every time he came home, the relief mixed with fear that this visit might be the last. And now, here she was, about to bring new lives into the world, and he was still causing her grief.

The weight of all those years, all those missed moments, crashed down on him. He’d told himself he was protecting her by staying away, by keeping his dangerous life separate. But looking at Jane now, he realized that his absence had been its own kind of harm.

“We need you,” Jane repeated.

Not just for protection, not just because of the current crisis, but because they were family. Because despite everything, they still wanted him there, still considered him a part of their lives.

He swallowed hard, fighting back a sudden surge of emotion. He opened his mouth to respond, to apologize, to promise he’d be there, but before he could find the words, Jane’s expression changed, her hand flying to her belly.

She winced slightly, a fleeting expression of discomfort crossing her face, then she took a deep breath, seeming to steady herself.

“The girls are getting restless.” She attempted a smile. “I think they’re eager to meet their uncle.”

Suddenly, Jane’s face contorted. A small gasp escaped her lips, more surprised than pained. “Oh!”

Bridger’s face drained of color. The usually unflappable SEAL looked utterly terrified. “Jane? Honey?”

Jane’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and uncertainty flashing across her face. She gripped Bridger’s arm, her knuckles white. “I ... I think ...” she trailed off, her brow furrowing in concentration. After a moment, she took a deep breath and met Bridger’s anxious gaze. “That felt different. We might need to call Dr. Reeves.”

Bridger turned back to the camera. “I gotta go. Hospital. Now.” His eyes locked with Jason’s through the screen. “Jason, get here. That’s an order.”

The call ended abruptly, leaving Jason and Alex staring at the blank screen.

“Well,” Alex said after a moment, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, “I guess we’re going to Redemption Creek.”

Jason nodded, a mix of worry for his sister and relief at having a destination washing over him. The thought of becoming an uncle, especially now, amidst all this chaos, felt surreal. “Looks like it. You okay with that?”

She met his gaze, the earlier hostility replaced by determination. There was something else there too—understanding, perhaps even a touch of empathy. “Lead the way, Army.”

He hurriedly paid for their barely-touched meals and headed for the Mustang, Alex on his heels. He slid behind the wheel, his mind already mapping out the fastest route to Redemption Creek. A little less than five hours.

Totally doable.

“What happened to ditching the Mustang?” Alex asked.

“I re-evaluated.” He thrust the key into the ignition. “Seven-Five knows where Redemption Creek is. My guess is they don’t expect us to head there, but if they try to stop us, having a different car will only buy us so much time. Finding another vehicle will take a while. I say we take the chance.”

And he needed to get home ASAP to check on Jane.

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