Page 113 of SEAL of Valor

But then I feel Weston stiffen, his body going tense beside me, and open my eyes as two black SUVs pull up beside the police cruisers. My pulse kicks up, blood pumping through my veins in anticipation.

Is this the threat Agent Jones said would be carried out if they engaged with Brenda? It can’t be, right? She came here. Shouldn’t that be considered self-defense?

Zane, Ryker, Garrison, and Sawyer—his injured arm in a sling—move in to join Weston and me near the porch steps. Before, I would’ve thought they were just coming over to see what was happening, but now I know better.

It’s not curiosity.

It’s tactical.

Because if you come for one of them, you’d better be prepared to fight them all.

Sawyer’s earlier words to Brenda come to mind. “You put yourself on a kill list the moment you messed with Cowboy and Reese.”

Family. That’s what these men are. And I feel so honored to be a part of it.

Two men get out of one of the SUVs, then cross toward us, while four others linger near the vehicles. I don’t recognize any of them from the day Agent Jones came here, which only makes me more curious as to who they are and what they want.

“Weston Hayes?” the first man asks. His hair is greying, his eyes a soft blue. There’s a wedding band on his finger and a serious expression on his face.

“Yes.”

“I’m Director Oliver Gregory.”

“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” Weston asks after a beat of silence.

“He’s the real head of the agency Brenda worked for. Caldwell’s boss’s boss,” Sawyer explains. “I looked him up after our little visit from Agent Jones.”

“Agent Caldwell is dead. As is Agent Jones and Caldwell’s direct boss⁠—”

“Assistant Director Murtagh,” Zane finishes.

Gregory looks over at him and nods. “You should know that I was unaware Brenda had been released, and had I known of their plans for her, I would have stepped in and prevented it. On behalf of my entire organization and the U.S. Government, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for all that has happened, as well as my thanks that you and your team were able to apprehend and eliminate Brenda and those loyal to her.”

“This sounds an awful lot like Caldwell’s assurances after Brenda turned on us and took my wife captive,” Zane says, crossing his arms. “He also assured me that I would have nothing to worry about.”

“Yes, well, she won’t be an issue anymore. You all made sure of that.”

“And the other two? Ash and Max? Given their desire for revenge, I can’t imagine they’ll let it go now that they’ve each lost a sibling. Are we going to have to worry about them showing up in the future?”

Gregory turns to Garrison. “They will be handled with the utmost caution and will not be a problem for any of you in the future.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Ryker retorts.

“I can’t blame you for your apprehension, Mr. Granger. Which is why we are prepared to offer you and your families brand new identities and a new location wherever you choose, on the off chance there are more threats out there. Brenda’s net is wide, her network loyal.”

The guys all share a look.

“While we appreciate the offer, Mr. Gregory,” Zane starts. “Stormwatch Landing is our home, and everyone here is our family. We’ll stay put and just trust that, should you lose track of any more of your prisoners or identify any potential threat to us, you’ll notify us next time.”

“You have my word.”

“Then that’s all I need.” Zane offers his hand, and Oliver takes it. “But understand this. If anyone comes after my team or our families—whether they are connected to you or not—we will do whatever it takes to eliminate the threat.” His gaze doesn’t waver even during the silence following the threat.

“Understood.” Oliver removes his hand, then turns and heads back to the SUVs.

“So Brenda’s game was revenge,” Ryker comments.

“She would have come here whether I helped her or not,” Weston says.