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The sound of tires crunching gravel breaks the quiet of the afternoon. James glances toward the window from where he’s seated at the table, a dull ache still pulsing beneath the grafts on his side. He sets his coffee down and takes a steadying breath. Vale’s early.
Danny looks up from where he’s sorting through files on the counter. The man’s whole posture stiffens, that agent’s instinct kicking in. “You sure about this?” he asks under his breath.
James gives a small nod. “I’m sure.” It’s half-truth, half-conviction. He has to believe it. Marcus Vale isn’t just another contact. He was the one who taught James how to fire a gun, how to bluff through an interrogation, how to disappear when the walls start closing in. He’s family in every way that matters, and right now, James needs family more than he needs doubt.
The knock comes next. Firm, familiar. James forces himself up, moving slower than he wants but still proud that he can stand without help. Danny opens the door first, cautious as ever.
“Marcus,” James greets, his voice warm but tired. “You found the place.”
Vale steps in with that same commanding presence he’s always had. He looks older, a few more lines around his eyes, but the same keenness in them. “You didn’t make it easy,” he says, smiling faintly. Then his gaze softens. “You look like hell, James.”
“Appreciate the honesty,” James says, smirking as he accepts the handshake that turns into a one-armed hug. The gesture is brief but genuine.
“You should be resting, not playing host,” Vale says, stepping back to give him a quick once-over. “I heard about what happened. You’re lucky to be standing, son.”
James waves a hand dismissively. “Resting gets boring. You know me.”
Vale chuckles quietly. “That I do.” His tone is easy, smooth, the kind of warmth that settles rooms. “But you will rest. You need to. Let Daniel and your people handle the rest for now. You’ve done your part.”
Danny watches them both, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. His eyes narrow slightly, polite but wary. “You must be Marcus Vale,” he says finally. “I’ve heard about you.”
“All lies, I’m sure,” Vale replies with a grin, extending his hand. “You must be Hernandez. You’ve been keeping this one alive?”
Danny shakes his hand but doesn’t return the grin. “Trying my best.”
Vale gives him a knowing nod, his expression easy. “Good man.”
James hides a smirk at Danny’s subtle eye-roll. Then, with a soft grunt, he eases himself back toward the sofa. “Holmes is in the office,” he says, glancing toward the hallway. “You’ll meet him soon. He’s the reason either of us is still here.”
Vale nods once, his expression thoughtful. “Then I look forward to meeting him.”
James leans back against the cushions, exhausted but oddly relieved. The tension in the air feels almost manageable now. Marcus is here. Things might finally start moving forward.