Page 73 of Absolution

Mark cuts his eyes at Jackson, the one man who truly understands what I’m saying and the ramifications it holds. Jackson lifts his finger, and Mark moves into action.

“Creed, have you thought this completely through?” Jackson’s frown deepens.

I nod, trotting my leg to release the tension building in my body. “Yes, and there’s no doubt the two I heard were Americans.”

Quinn stands, whispering into Jackson’s ear and then turns to me. “Again, we need you to think clearly. You need to be absolutely positive about what you’re saying.”

“The men who ambushed us and took me hostage were American. If my hunch is correct, they were also military.”

“You’re talking about treason.” Quinn’s jaw begins to tick.

“I know exactly what I’m saying, and the weight of my accusations hold.” My gut boils, and the anger rages through my veins. “I’m a SEAL, I would never disrespect my brothers with so little proof if I wasn’t sure.”

“We need to trace all personnel at the time of the mission. Anyone associated with the team at the time, if there was a traitor, we have to find him.” Jackson’s orders are clear and direct. The team begins to move, and I can’t do anything but watch in awe.

Five hours have passed, and I sit in the same place, listening to the audio of every sailor or soldier for the last ten years. I’ve combed through even more photos, dead and alive.

“Nothing?” Jackson joins me. His face describes my mood at the moment, frustrated and tired.

I shake my head, burying my hand in my hair, ready to pull it from its roots. “Not a damn thing!”

Mark’s head hangs in disappointment. “They have to be here. What are we missing?”

“My brain.”

“Don’t do that, it’ll come to you and probably when you least expect.” Jackson lays his hand on my shoulder.

I roll my shoulders, ready to get out of here and clear my head. “Shit. I have an appointment with Drew, I need to get going.”

“I’m headed that way to visit Aaron, I’ll hitch a ride if you don’t mind.” Jackson stands, walking over to collect his cell.

“Don’t worry, duckling, Quinn, and I will keep searching.” Mark slaps me on the back.

“Thanks.” I wave as I head out with Jackson.

Jackson climbs in the passenger door, buckling in right away. My body is wound so tight, that my grip on the steering wheel is turning my knuckles white. My stomach twists and turns, waiting for him to rip me open, so I can get to what matters here.

“You’re killin’ me over here.”

“Is that so?” Jackson smirks, hitting send on his text.

“Are you always working?” I side-eye him, waiting for him to just do it.

He stares out the window, his patience must have scared the shit out of the enemy. “Working toward something is how one attains it.”

“I often wonder if you work in your sleep, Mark is convinced of it.” I snicker.

“He might be right because he also understands what it takes to get what you want.” He brushes off his pant leg. Or is he doing that to me? Cole is a literal mind fuck.

“I get it, Cole. You’re trying to explain to me how to deal with something that lies deep within my psyche.”

“More than that, Creed. I’m giving you a technique to find it.” Jackson looks over at me, making me uncomfortable.

His words rattle around in my head for the rest of the ride. With so many things coming at me from every angle, I’m starting to think I may never get the answers I want.

Jackson and I walk together to Aaron’s room, Drew’s office is just around the corner from it. Jackson remains quiet, and his words sit heavy on me. The responsibility of it weights like concrete on my chest.

“We’ll keep looking, Creed. Don’t give up, you’re closer than you’ve ever been before.” Jackson offers his hand, I take it. A man can never have too many friends, especially ones like Jackson Cole.