Page 73 of Code Name: Phoenix

“I, uh—that’d be great, but I’ll pass on the run. I need to catch up on some sleep of my own if I’m going to be functional tomorrow, but I’ll be by just before eight to take her to breakfast.” Logan’s support isn’t what I expected, but I’m happy to have him around to help her.

“It’s getting late, and I’m now getting up early, so I’m going to sleep.” Logan stands, and I rise with him.

As we leave the office, my mind works through how I’ll possibly begin to help Jessa, and I realize it’s going to be an uphill battle.

CHAPTER27

JESSA

Jack jumps up from the edge of my bed as Logan and I enter my room after our morning run, which turned into a long hike of sorts.

“Where were you guys? I’ve been here since seven forty-five waiting to take Jessa to breakfast. I tried your phone.”

Logan answers as he steps out from behind me. “Sorry, Jack. We were going to do a quick run, then I had the idea to go a little farther up the ridge, to show Jessa the falls. We passed Tex and Eagle, and I asked them to have Link delay my call until ten. I told them to let you know. I guess they couldn’t find you. I left my phone on my desk. You know reception on the run is shit.”

“It’s okay. Really, Jack. I had a great time. It’s so beautiful out here.” I turn to drop my sweatshirt on the chair beside the door.

After jumping around from location to location the past ten years, I see why the guys love it up here. The fresh air, the stars, and the wilderness that surrounds this place are amazing, and they have it all to themselves.

I was surprised when Logan knocked on my door this morning, offering me an olive branch in the form of some time together. I jumped at it. It gave me the opportunity to look around their compound while the sun was shining.

I was also feeling a little trapped inside. I want to be back out in the open, even if it is a false sense of freedom.

I don’t know if I’ll ever truly know what real freedom feels like again.

Running around the camp was helpful. I got an idea of everything they have on base, including their security measures, which will help me access anything I need in a hurry if necessary.

As we passed the farthest point from the building, we ran into two of Logan’s teammates, almost literally. The awkward looks on their faces when they initially took me in confirmed that they had either seen or heard about my video, and I momentarily felt ashamed. But then Logan suggested a little excursion outside of the gates.

The hike was a steady uphill climb, but it was worth it when the thundering sound of the falls rumbled through the trees.

Logan was better company than I thought he’d be. Not once did he mention the video or Maxwell. He even left Zane out of the discussion. Despite all of that, our conversation flowed effortlessly and constantly for the entire time we were outside.

“It’s almost nine fifty-five. We’re going to miss breakfast if we don’t get moving. Want to join us, Logan?” Jack asks as he ushers me toward the door.

“I’ve got my call in five minutes. Thank you again, Jessa.” Logan smiles as he leaves us, and I maneuver into the room to quickly change my top and pants.

When we reach the kitchen, we find out Jack was right to hurry. Breakfast just ended, and most of the food has already been put away.

Jack told me the kitchen is locked down between meals on days when their secondary teams are away, to save manpower, so we have to take what is left over.

As Grey enters the room to take the last of the food away, Jack beats him to the remaining baskets and grabs a muffin and a couple of oranges for us.

“We’ll eat a bigger lunch later. Let’s go enjoy these outside. It’s a nice day.”

I walk with Jack to a grassy spot away from the buildings. Once we sit down, he takes charge, peeling the oranges and handing me my half of the muffin.

Our conversation remains light. It’s almost a repeat of my prior one with Logan. Jack lets me choose the topics, and I’m thankful, as I’m not yet ready to talk about yesterday. Mostly because there isn’t much to say. I know what I saw, but I still don’t feel any of it.

While we eat, I wait for him to ask more questions about Maxwell, but they never come.

An unease grows when I realize he’s avoiding the elephant in the room. Neither of us are saying anything, but it’s there. I see it in everyone’s eyes when they look at me.

As we wrap up our breakfast, Jack’s phone rings. It’s Logan, telling Jack he needs him on the conference call, as their base in Arizona has come across some information on Maxwell’s possible location.

It sounds promising, but I learned a long time ago never to get my hopes up. Instead, I focus on my current situation.

This opens up some free time for me, and I decide to rest. I stand to follow Jack inside when Dana comes out, with Grizz trailing behind her.

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