Chapter 10 - THE QUIET DRIVE HOME
The dark SUV glided smoothly down the suburban boulevard, its headlights cutting through the evening mist.
Inside the cabin, the soft amber glow of the dashboard instruments illuminated Cole’s steady hands on the leather steering wheel. The climate control blew warm, soothing air across Sarah’s lap, helping relax the tight, aching muscles in her right neck and shoulder.
Sarah leaned her head back against the leather headrest, watching the streetlights pass by in a rhythmic, golden blur.
"Thank you," Sarah whispered softly into the quiet interior of the car. "For stepping up."
Cole didn't turn his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "You don't ever let anyone disrespect your tap, Sarah. Not a black belt, not an instructor, not anyone. You train to build confidence, not to let arrogant people use you as a punching bag."
"I know," Sarah admitted, her voice low. "I just... I thought if I complained, people would say I was being weak because I'm a girl."
"Knowing when to enforce a boundary isn't weakness," Cole said firmly, his voice carrying the deep, unshakeable authority that had defined his entire life. "It's the ultimate form of strength. You tapped. He knew it. He chose to ignore it. That makes him dangerous, not tough."
Sarah looked over at her brother's profile—the clean jawline, the quiet focus, the absolute, unwavering protection he provided without ever asking for anything in return.
She reached out with her left hand, gently resting her fingers over his forearm.
"Are you going back to San Diego on Monday?" she asked softly.
"Yeah," Cole replied, a subtle, warm smile touching his lips for the first time all night. "Duty calls on Monday. But until then, we're going to get some ice for that shoulder, order a huge dinner, and take it easy."
May you like
Sarah smiled, leaning back against her seat, letting the warm air of the SUV wash over her as the vehicle turned onto their quiet home street.
The dark shadows of Kandahar, the pale scars beneath his shirt, and the mystery of who Cole Briggs really was remained hidden behind the quiet exterior of the car. But as they pulled into the driveway, Sarah knew one thing with absolute certainty: no matter what world her brother lived in when he was away, as long as he was near, she was entirely, unconditionally safe.
