Chapter 27-28

Chapter 27: Between Friends and Allies

The sunlight was still shining on Virginia Beach when Scott parked his truck in front of his parents' house. After weeks in the field, he found the familiarity of the neighborhood a rare comfort. Michael and Jennifer were in the backyard, and their warm smiles were the welcome he needed.

"Scott!" Jennifer exclaimed, running to hug him. "Are you okay? You look thinner."

Michael approached with a small smile. "He always comes back in one piece, Jen. You should know that by now."

Scott laughed, hugging them both back. "I'm fine, Mom. And Dad, it's always good to be back."

They spent the afternoon together, catching up on life. Jennifer told him about the new friends she'd made in the neighborhood, while Michael talked about a new book project he was working on. For Scott, moments like these were precious. Although he loved his military life, nothing could replace the feeling of being with his family.

Later, Scott left the house and headed to the local bar, a popular hangout among the operators and agents who lived or worked in the area. The Iron Anchor was a low-key bar with walls adorned with military memorabilia: insignia, flags, and photos of teams on missions around the world. It was a place where operators could relax and chat without worrying about what they were saying.

When Scott walked in, soft music played in the background and the murmur of conversation filled the room. He spotted his team already gathered at a table in the corner. Everyone was relaxed, laughing and drinking. The bartender, a former Navy operator, waved Scott over.

"Lieutenant Walker! Would you like your usual?" he asked, already starting to pour himself a glass of whiskey.

Scott smiled and nodded. "Sure, John. Good night to you."

With the glass in hand, he walked over to his team. Stone, Echo's most playful, was the first to notice him.

"Look who finally showed up!" he shouted, raising his glass in greeting. "We were starting to think you'd rather be with Mommy and Daddy!"

Everyone laughed, and Scott took an empty chair next to Rivera, his second-in-command. "You guys should learn to relax more. Just because I like to enjoy my free time doesn't mean I'm any less professional."

"Relax, boss," Rivera said, smiling. "We're just warming up. Maybe today you'll finally show us that you know how to have fun."

The conversation flowed naturally, the topics ranging from stories of past missions to inside jokes to plans for the future. The team shared a camaraderie that could only be forged in the extreme circumstances they faced together.

"Remember that time in Somalia?" Stone asked, starting to laugh before he could even finish the sentence. "When the boat almost capsized because Scott insisted we row in silence?"

Scott threw up his hands, laughing. "Hey, we had to! You guys were rowing like we were in an Olympic race!"

"That was a good mission," Rivera said, raising his glass. "To our victories, guys. And to those who are no longer here."

Everyone was silent for a moment, raising their glasses in respect. It was a subtle but meaningful ritual.

As the night wore on, Scott noticed a group of people entering the bar. Among them were Maggie Shawn and Jane Tennant. Jane, with a friendly smile on her face, looked in his direction and waved.

"Well, look at that," Rivera commented, nudging Scott. "Looks like you have company."

Scott laughed and stood up to greet the two. "Maggie, Jane. I didn't expect to see you here."

"We need a break every now and then, too," Maggie replied, smiling. "And we knew this was the place to meet interesting people."

Jane crossed her arms playfully. "And honestly, I wanted to see if you really do relax when you're not on duty."

Scott laughed, motioning for them to join him at the table. "Please, come. Echo always has room for more allies."

The two sat down, and the conversation flowed easily. Jane talked about her children, Maggie shared stories from her last mission, and the Echo team made sure to include the two in their jokes and stories.

At one point, Jane and Scott ended up moving away from the table a bit, sitting at the bar to order another round of drinks.

"It's good to see you relaxing, Scott," Jane said, looking at him. "You seem more relaxed."

"Being home helps," he replied. "And finding friends like you does, too."

Jane smiled. "You have a way of making people feel at ease. I think that's what makes you a good leader."

Scott stared at her for a moment, considering her words. "What about you? How do you balance it all? Work, family, this complicated life we've chosen?"

Jane sighed thoughtfully. "It's not easy. But I try to remember why I do this. It's for the sake of my children, for my country. And to be honest, people like you make that so much easier."

They exchanged a genuine smile, and Scott felt a renewed admiration for Jane. She was a rare person, someone who understood the challenges of his life without judging him.

As the night drew to a close, the team began to disperse. Jane and Maggie said their goodbyes, promising to meet again soon. Scott lingered a little longer with Rivera and Stone, enjoying what was left of the night.

"So, boss," Stone said as they left the bar. "Do you think we'll have more nights like this?"

Scott smiled. "I hope so. But if we don't, at least we enjoyed this one."

As he walked to his truck, Scott looked up at the starry sky over Virginia Beach. The night had been a reminder that even in the midst of pressure and danger, there was still room for friendship, connection, and moments of normalcy. And that, to him, was as valuable as any successful mission.

Chapter 28: Solace in Langley

It was a cold February morning in 2011 when Scott received Jane's message. He was at DEVGRU headquarters, finishing up a review of reports, when the sound of his cell phone caught his attention. The message was simple, but filled with emotion.

Jane: I split up with Daniel. It was the best decision for us, but it's been hard. The kids are fine, but… sometimes I feel like I can't handle it all alone.

Scott was silent for a moment, thinking about the message. He knew Jane was strong, but he also understood that even the strongest needed support. Without hesitation, he replied:

Scott: I'm going to Langley as soon as I get some time off. You're not alone, Jane.

Jane responded with a simple "Thank you," but Scott could hear the gratitude in her words.

Two days later, on his first day off in weeks, Scott got in his car and drove to Langley. The few-hour drive seemed longer because of the thoughts that filled his mind. He knew Jane was a resilient person, but the idea of ​​her going through this difficult time worried him.

When he arrived at her house, Jane opened the door with a tired but sincere smile. She was wearing jeans and a simple blouse, her makeup-free face showing the signs of sleepless nights.

"Scott," she said, her tone soft but relieved. "Thank you for coming."

"Sure, Jane," he replied, entering the house. "You know you can count on me."

Inside the house, the atmosphere was cozy, but there were toys scattered around the living room, a clear sign that two small children lived there. Alex, 7, was on the couch with a video game controller in his hands, while Julie, just over 1 year old, played on a colorful rug.

Alex looked at Scott curiously, but Julie was the first to react. She crawled towards him, stretching her little arms toward the visitor. Scott laughed and bent down to pick her up.

"Hi, princess," he said, rocking her gently in his arms. Julie laughed and pointed at his hair, tugging on a strand.

"She likes you," Jane said, crossing her arms and watching the scene. "You have a way with kids."

Scott smiled, looking at Jane. "I just do the basics. She's the one who's adorable."

Scott spent the afternoon with Jane and the kids, helping with lunch and even playing video games with Alex. The boy was shy at first, but slowly began to open up.

"Are you a friend of my mom's?" Alex asked as they played.

"Yeah," Scott replied, keeping his tone light. "I work with her sometimes. Your mom is amazing at what she does."

Alex smiled shyly. "She is. But sometimes I see her getting sad."

Scott paused before answering. "She's strong, Alex. And she has you and her sister to help her be happy."

Alex seemed satisfied with that answer and turned his attention back to the game.

Later, while Julie took a nap, Scott and Jane sat in the kitchen with two cups of coffee. The silence between them was comfortable, but Scott knew Jane needed to get it off her chest.

"How are you really doing?" he asked, looking directly at her.

Jane sighed, stirring her coffee with her spoon. "I'm... surviving. The breakup was inevitable, but that doesn't mean it was easy. Daniel and I just grew apart. He didn't want that life, and I couldn't give it up."

"You made the right decision," Scott said firmly. "You're an amazing mother, Jane. And an exceptional professional. It's not easy balancing both, but you're doing it."

Jane smiled, her eyes shining with tears that she quickly blinked away. "Thank you, Scott. Really. I needed to hear that."

As the sun set, Scott helped Jane put the kids to bed. Julie fell asleep almost immediately, while Alex insisted that he needed a story. Scott volunteered to tell it, and Alex chose a book about adventures at sea. Scott read with enthusiasm, doing different voices for the characters, making the boy laugh.

When he finished, Alex looked at him and said, "You should come more often."

Scott laughed, ruffling the boy's hair. "I'll try, champ."

After the kids were asleep, Jane and Scott went back to the living room. They sat on the couch, the room quiet, only the distant sound of the wind outside.

"You're good with them," Jane said, looking at Scott. "Thank you for today. I don't know how I would have gotten through this day without you."

"You don't have to thank me," he replied. "I'm here because I want to be. And because you deserve to have someone by your side, even if it's just as a friend."

Jane smiled, leaning her head against the back of the couch. "You're one of the most amazing people I've ever met, Scott. I think I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

Scott felt the weight of her words, and for a moment he considered what they meant. He knew his connection to Jane was special, but he also understood that this moment wasn't about him, but about supporting her.

"I'm lucky too, Jane," he said finally. "And I'm here for you if you need me, always."

As the night drew to a close, Scott prepared to leave. Jane walked him to the door, hugging him before he left.

"Thank you for everything today," she said, looking up at him. "Really."

Scott smiled. "Anytime, Jane. And let me know if the kids want another video game or story time."

She laughed, waving as he walked to the car. "I'll be sure to."

As he drove back to his house, Scott reflected on the day. He felt a mix of emotions joy at having helped Jane and the kids, but also a growing sense of responsibility. He knew that somehow, the bond they were building was something he would protect with all his might.

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