81: A Turbulent Ride

Allison's POV.

I had been following the trail of leads, trying to piece together what Jessica’s brother, James, was up to. The information that he was a five-star general meant that I had to tread carefully. Today, I found myself alone in a seemingly innocuous park—a place that seemed perfect for blending in. The open space was serene, but it felt like a setup.

I was nursing my bullet wounds, the pain still fresh despite the passage of time. My steps were measured, each one careful to avoid drawing attention. But the tranquility was abruptly shattered. I noticed the subtle movements, the way the men around me seemed too coordinated. It was a dead giveaway. They were army personnel—trained soldiers, moving with precision and purpose.

As I turned a corner, they appeared like shadows emerging from the surrounding trees. There were five of them, and they closed in swiftly. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to remain calm. I recognized James immediately. He was every bit the imposing