Page 102 of Lethal Weakness

“I have no idea. I’d guess there are hundreds of operators at different levels all over the country.”

“Why do it if it’s so dangerous?”

“I was used to danger. My only skill was eliminating threats. When I was honorably discharged from the SEALS, I needed a place to land.”

“Why were you discharged?”

He shakes his head and glances at Avery. She’s awake but watching all the scenery go by out the window.

“It wasn’t my choice… I’ll say that for now.”

“Okay.” I sigh.

“I hate that you got mixed up in all of this,” he admits, regretfully.

“Did you know who I was when we moved in next door?”

“No, not until I ran your license plate after I went inside. I couldn’t believe it. I thought the entire op was busted, but I realized quickly how innocent you two were in all of it. It made it really hard to stay level-headed and do my job.”

“It’s really hard for me not to ask more questions right now.”

“It’s really hard for me not to tell you.”

Understanding passes between us. Acceptance that he never hid things from me to hurt me, and once we’re alone… I’ll finally get the truth.

But being alone with Jack feels scary too, and not because I don’t trust him.

I do trust him, but I’m afraid that it’s leading me towards more heartbreak. How naive can I be to fall in love with a man who isn’t supposed to be connected to anyone?

Chapter Thirty-Six

O’Connor

Twenty years ago…

“Son? Did you hear me?”

I glance at the recruiter sitting in front of me and do my best to sit up straighter in my seat. “Yes, sir.”

He looks at me indecisively. “Enlisting at 17 means that you won’t graduate high school with your friends. You won’t be available to walk across the stage with them to receive your diploma. You will be in boot camp, and you will be treated as an adult. No one will give you special treatment because you’re the youngest out there. In fact, they might target you for it.”

“I understand, sir. I’m ready.”

“How do your folks feel about this?”

“My parents are both dead, sir.” My voice doesn’t waver, but my throat burns saying those words out loud.

“Ah, I’m sorry for your losses.” His hands fold and unfold atop his desk in discomfort. “Do you have anyone else who might miss you? Any siblings? A girlfriend that you should be discussing this with?”

“I’m an only child. No girlfriend.” My girlfriend dumped me when I told her I was coming here today, and then slapped me when I wasn’t upset about it.

“Well, if there is anyone at all that can support you through this journey, I suggest you stay in contact with them. You get on a ship, and the outside world cannot contact you. If you’re past on rent, you’re homeless once the ship docks.”

“My parents’ estate will be liquidated this week, and I’m selling the house.”

“Right.” He shuffles in his seat. “And you’re doing this all alone?”

“I have a great-aunt who came to help me when my parents died, but she’s going back to Boston.”