Page 57 of Gravity
Kellum’s eyes narrowed. “And who the hell is this Titus dude I keep hearing about?”
Stone’s jaw worked, but he only shook his head. “Long story. One I don’t have the stomach to tell twice.”
Kellum grunted, clearly unsatisfied, but he let it drop. Parker and Oliver joined in the gate exchange, quick handshakes before Law’s voice cut across the yard, summoning them inside.
Stone followed, the knot in his chest tightening with every step.
Inside the estate, voices rumbled low, men moving with purpose. Creed, Kellum, along with Parker and Oliver, moved through and into the war room.
But in the hall just outside, Stone caught sight of Law leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching the flow like he was built into it.
Sage passed by with a stack of files, nearly dropping them. Law shifted, steadying the man with one big hand before Sage could fumble.
“Easy,” Law said, voice low.
Sage gave him a quick nod, cheeks flushing as he disappeared into the room.
Stone slowed, the corner of his mouth twitching despite himself.
Law caught the look. “He’s new,” Law said, shrugging one shoulder. “But sharp. Give him a little time.”
“You always had an eye for talent,” Stone said, rubbing at the tightness growing in his shoulder, “but don’t forget he’s an assassin.”
“Still do. And I won’t,” Law answered. His gaze flicked over Stone, lingering at the line of his arm. “How’s the shoulder?”
Stone grimaced, then rolled it experimentally. “Just over six months out. Still twinges if I push it too hard.”
Law’s lips quirked. “You wouldn’t let me check it after the Morrison takedown.”
Stone snorted. “I don’t trust your bedside manner.”
They shared a look—half amusement, half the weight of old battles.
But from down the hall, Dave’s shadow stretched long before he appeared, his stride clipped, eyes catching the two of them.
The flicker that passed over his face wasn’t command steel this time—it was something sharper, colder.
Stone felt it, even before Dave’s voice cut in. “We’re not here for a reunion.”
The words weren’t loud, but they landed like a blade.
Law only raised his hands in mock surrender, pushing off the wall. “Just checking on an old friend.”
Dave’s gaze didn’t leave Stone. For a beat, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Then Dave turned on his heel and headed inside the war room.
Stone exhaled, shoulders tight. Whatever distance had opened between them overnight had just grown wider.
The room bristled with tension when Stone stepped inside.
Sparrow stood by the comms rig, headset crooked around his neck, papers spread across the desk. The rest of the men ringed the table—Rip scowling, Boston bouncing his boot, Sagewatchful, steady with pen in hand. Viper leaned in the corner, arms crossed, expression carved from stone.
Viper tapped a printout. “Franklin took the bait.”
Dave stepped in closer. “How?”
“Titus dropped a whisper about product moving west. Wants Franklin to handle it.” Viper’s gaze lifted, steady on Dave.
Dave didn’t flinch. His expression just hardened, steel locking into place. His eyes tracked to Boston, then Sage. “All right, you two. Just like we discussed. You’ll go in as the product I’m selling.”
