Page 88 of Hard Limits

“Do you see who I see?”

Dawson’s reaction was the same. “Holy fuck.”

Jerry said something to the redhead, and they began unloading bags from the second jeep. Several men in fatigues rushed to help them as Priest strolled to the back of the plane once more.

“Who is it?” Ari asked.

“Jerry.”

She pressed her nose to the window. “Which one?”

“The brunette.”

Jerry had worn her hair long during the Blackstone days, but today’s graduated bob suited her. When she pushed her aviators on top of her head and began climbing the steps, Brax rose to greet her. He owed her a debt of gratitude that he had no idea how to repay.

“Long time, no see.”

He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, and she flashed a grin as she smacked his ass. Well, just above it.

“We’re even for the tattoo now, yes?”

“Are you finally admitting that you knew what it said?”

“I admit nothing.”

“You haven’t changed a bit.”

“Oh, you think?”

Brax glanced out of the window, where men were still loading bags onto the plane down below.

“I suppose you did travel much lighter in the old days.”

Jerry gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Right now, we have no idea whether this is going to be a vacation, a training exercise, or a diplomatic incident, so we need to prepare for all eventualities.” She nodded. “Dawson.”

He stood behind Brax, slightly bent. “Jerry. I don’t know whether to hug you or salute you.”

“Either works.”

“You’re military?” Brax asked.

For a moment, he thought Jerry wasn’t going to answer. She always had been cagey. But after a moment’s consideration, she shrugged again.

“Officially, I’m Sergeant Knight, retired.”

“Sergeant?” Dawson sounded sceptical. “On an air force base?”

“Shh, don’t tell them. Congrats on breaking Senator Presley’s nose. There isn’t a person among us who hasn’t been tempted to do that.”

“It cost me my career.”

“Yes, that was unfortunate. And I was this far”—she held up a thumb and forefinger a fraction of an inch apart—“from coming to see you, but then you met Violet. If you ever need a job, let me know.”

“What are you doing now?”

“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

“That’s what the other fellow said.”

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