Page 122 of This Life of Mine

“This is really good, man,” he says. “I’ll have more information soon.”

“Thanks, Reese.”

A short silence follows. “Whoa. That’s a first.”

Despite everything, I almost smile. “What?”

“You thanking me,” he says.

“Don’t get used to it.” I chuckle.

Another brief pause. “Are my assumptions about you and Lina correct?”

I gaze out into the open field, lost in thought about Lina. “Yeah.”

He exhales through his line. “I figured.”

“I didn’t expect this,” I admit quietly. “But I care about her, Reese.” The words feel strange coming out loud.

“Now every decision I make starts with whether it puts her at risk,” I tell him.

The line goes quiet for a moment. “I get it,” he says softly.

“I need her safe, Reese.” The desperation in my voice is new to me. The words come out lower than usual. Less controlled. More honest.

“I’ll do everything I can to help stop these fuckers,” he says. “You have my word.”

I release a slow breath. “I appreciate it. This one’s personal.”

“Yeah.” His voice is steady. “I can tell.”

Another quiet moment passes between us, comfortable this time.

“I got your back, Alex. I’ll call as soon as I have something.”

“Thanks, man.”

The call ends.

I lower the phone and stare at the screen for a moment before slipping it back into my pocket.

It’s the first time the burden of choosing Lina over the purpose I’ve carried for years feels a little lighter.

Because standing here now, knowing she’s safe, I’d make the same choice again.

Behind me, the man hangs limp in the chair. Blood pools beneath him, spreading across the concrete floor in slow, uneven rivers. Dark stains of blood paint the surrounding walls, evidence of how badly this night got away from me.

The cleanup crew is going to hate me for this one.

I should probably care. I don’t.

Outside, the early morning air is cool and steady. I draw in a slow breath and let it out.

Somewhere back in town, Lina is waiting. Probably furious. She has every right to be. I lied to her. Disappeared on her. Chose the mission when she needed answers.

I’ll take the anger. I’ll take every sharp word, and every slammed door if it means she’s still there to give them to me.

Right now, my focus is elsewhere. On the people who thought they could take her from me. The people who mistook her for an easy target. They won’t make that mistake again.