Page 73 of Code Name: Admiral

“K19 Sentinel Cyber,” he continued. “A new division that would combine cutting-edge technical capabilities with tactical expertise.” He smiled. “He seemed to think you and Alice would be perfect to lead it.”

The idea floored me—not because it was unexpected, but because it felt so right. It was a chance to build somethingmeaningful, to continue Sarah’s mission of exposing corruption while working alongside the woman I loved.

“Of course, that’s assuming you still plan to leave the bureau,” he added.

“My mind was made up what feels like weeks ago, but I guess it’s only been days.”

“Understood. But still, take some time. Talk it over with Alice. The offer will remain on the table until you’re ready.”

Back inside, I found Alice curled up near the fire, wrapped in what appeared to be several more blankets. I knew she’d changed into dry clothes, but her hair was still damp, the pink streaks darker than usual.

“Hey,” she said softly when I sat beside her.

“Hey, yourself.” I pulled her into my arms, needing to feel her warmth, to reassure myself that we’d really made it.

The door opened a few minutes later, and Grit walked in. His left arm was bandaged, but otherwise, he appeared unharmed. Our eyes met across the room, and a myriad of things unsaid passed between us.

“I’m sorry,” I said simply.

He shook his head. “You did what you had to do. We all did.”

“Thank you. For having our backs. For saving our lives.”

“Always will.” He smiled. “That’s what partners do.”

Alice shifted in my arms. “Partners?”

“Assuming you’re both interested in heading up K19’s new cyber division.” Grit’s eyes crinkled. “I may have done some planning while you two were figuring out whether I was the mole or not.”

After I’d explained it the way Doc had to me, I felt Alice relax against me. “What do you think?” I asked.

She turned to face me, her green eyes bright in the firelight. “I think we make a pretty good team.”

“That, we do.” I kissed her softly, not caring that we had an audience. After everything we’d been through, I wasn’t holding back anymore.

Later that night,lying in bed, with Alice finally sleeping peacefully beside me, I made plans. The kind that involved a ring, a dock at sunset, and a future I’d never imagined possible before she came into my life.

Sarah’s mission was complete. The corruption she’d died exposing would be rooted out. But her legacy would live on through the work we’d do with K19 Sentinel Cyber and through the love she’d inadvertently helped create between her sister and me.

Tomorrow would bring debriefings and paperwork, arrests and indictments. Alessandro’s testimony, combined with Alice’s digital evidence, would send Sweeney, Huxley, and their corrupt network to prison for a very long time. Vincent Castellano’s empire would crumble, brought down by the brother he’d underestimated.

But tonight, holding the woman I loved, I simply gave thanks for second chances and unexpected allies. For the way tragedy could lead to triumph. For the profound truth that sometimes the greatest love stories begin in the darkest moments. And for the certainty that whatever challenges tomorrow brought, like we kept saying, we’d face together.

Three days later,Diesel reported that order had been restored at Kane Mountain Great Camp and that Alice and I could return whenever we were ready.

I was still skittish, worried about her safety more than my own, fearing those loyal to Vincent Castellano would retaliate. Doc, Merrigan, and Grit assured me that Diesel would continueto oversee a protective detail unit on my property for as long as I wanted it. I knew it was a lot to ask, not to mention, costly. When I brought it up, Merrigan, who served as K19’s managing partner, made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that Alice and I were family now, and every entity under their umbrella—Security Solutions, Shadow Operations, Allied Intelligence, and now Sentinel Cyber—took care of their own.

“Ready to go home?” I asked Alice when everything of ours that had been brought to the Caroga Lake camp was loaded into the SUV.

“I can’t wait,” she said, tucking her arm in mine and resting her head on my shoulder.

“You do know I’m referring to Canada Lake, not Manhattan, right?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Pershing, that’s home to me now too.”

“Pershing? Still haven’t come up with something else to call me?” He winked.

She smiled. “I decided it fits.”

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