Page 55 of Walking the Bird

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The pinging sound of shell casings hitting the floor died out as Trespass lowered his gun. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the waterproof bag containing his cellphone. Clearing the distance, he lowered himself to bent knees as he placed a finger on Miguel’s throat to check for a pulse. Finding none, he circled around, grabbing a handful of Miguel’s hair before holding his phone above his head and snapping a selfie.

“Havoc?” He heard Viper shout as he typed a message, included the photograph and pressed send.

Viper rushed to the spot where he’d last seen Eleni. Dropping to his belly, he searched the bilge. Relief washed over him as he made eye contact with the pair, an uncontrolled smile tugging at his lips as he took in the way they held onto each other. As he turned to give them a moment of privacy, he noticed a gash on Eleni’s leg bleeding profusely.

“Havoc, her leg.”

Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, Havoc jumped to his feet, his heart catching in his throat as he took in the wound on his wife’s leg. He’d warred with himself when Viper suggested using the bilge to get under Eleni, taking a huge risk the maintenance grate she stood on wasn’t frozen in place by years of rust.

“You’re going to need stitches, Kookla.”

Without thought, Havoc scooped Eleni into his arms, stepping over to the opening. He handed her off to Viper, before launching himself out of the hole.

Glancing over her shoulder, Eleni gasped as she took in the bullet riddled body of the man she’d known as Derek.

Trespass moved to stand beside Viper, “I’ve notified Slate we are on our way up. He and your guys will meet us at the top of the stairs.”

Eleni attempted to stand, her leg buckling from a sharp pain shooting up her cut leg. “I’ve got you.” Havoc reassured, scooping her into his arms, wincing slightly at the twinge in his shoulder.

“Please put me down, Alex. It's several steep flights of stairs and if I take my time, I know I can make it.” Eleni pleaded, keeping the truth to herself.

“I like you better where you are. Point the way to the exit, beautiful.”

Dipping her head low, Eleni kept her voice low as she pointed in the direction of the hatch. “Are you sure I’m not too heavy?”

Moving to the side, Havoc allowed Trespass to go ahead of him, giving him a full flight of steps before he took his first. “You will never be too anything for me.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Eleni glanced over his shoulder to see Zach talking away on his phone. “What you said earlier, about quitting the team. Were you serious?”

Locking gazes with his wife, “I know I haven't shown it lately, but you are the most important thing in my life. If my position on this team has created this rift between us, then fuck yes I’m done.”

Staring into Alex’s eyes, “I would miss talking with the wives.”

“Hey, just because I’m not taking missions, doesn't mean we stop being friends with them.”

“I guess you’re right, it’s just…” Eleni trailed off, unsure of how to word what she wanted to say.

“Just what?” Alex prodded, beginning the final flight of steps.

“I’ve done things, Alex, while we were apart. I started the paperwork to end our marriage.”

Nodding his head, “Do you want a divorce?”

Taking a deep breath, “I want to be happy, Alex. I want to go back to the couple we were a few years ago. Not ignoring each other, or the extended time apart. I’m tired of constantly explaining why you aren't at family functions, of going to sleep and waking up alone. I want the man I married, full of passion and desire for me.”

Reaching the top of the stairs, Alex stepped through the door as Trespass held it open. Turning to the right, he walked with purpose through the room he suspected had been Miguel’s office. “I want those things too, Eleni. You have no idea how badly I want them.” Alex trailed off as he walked through the door leading to the hall.

“But?”

Locking gazes with the woman who held his heart, “I’m scared.”

“Of what? You’re a SEAL for Christ’s sake. Nothing scares you.”

“I'm scared of losing you.”

Palming Alex’s face, “When I saw Zach, instead of you down there, I thought you’d forgotten me.” Her eyes fell to Alex’s lips, “I’m scared I’ve already lost you.”

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