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Jake stood next to Richter,strapping his tactical vest on. He didn’t feel completely himself without his Sig Sauer 9mm, but after nearly a week, the adrenalin was overdue. He’d been so blindsided by his suspension that he hadn’t realized how much he needed this—being back out in the field doing his job. He missed it.

Time off between cases was rare, and Jake had too much of it lately. It gave him time to recognize his job was more than just the penance he’d signed up for after the Army.

He valued his career with the Bureau; being out on the streets, making a difference. Protect and serve—it was in his DNA. Wherever he went next, he needed to find a way to keep that purpose forefront.

Richter’s radio crackled to life. “Alpha team ready,” Hartwell announced.

“Roger that,” Richter replied into his radio. He rechecked his weapon and looked at Jake. “You ready, soldier?”

“Hooah,” Jake answered.

“Remember, you’re here as a civilian.”

“Don’t remind me,” Jake muttered.

“You’re lucky you’re here at all. The interim AD is not a fan of yours.”

Another thing Jake didn’t need to be reminded of. “Yeah, he’s made that crystal clear.”

Richter clamped a hand on Jake’s shoulder and squeezed. “Put it out of your head.”

“Working on it,” he replied. Richter nodded and started to get out of the SUV, but Jake stopped him. “Thanks for going to bat for me. Means a lot.”

“Anything for the One-oh-one. Now let’s bring this kid in.”

Jake grinned. “Roger that.”

He followed the team in, trying to adjust to flanking the rear rather than being lead. It was as much of an adjustment as being without a weapon, but ultimately, Jake was glad to be part of the team again. The BAU agents took their positions with Hartwell and SWAT on either side of the storage unit. A flash bang provided cover while the lock was disengaged. Jake stood back, watching the smoke clear as the blue door rolled up.

“All clear,” Alpha team announced.

Jake watched Richter holster his weapon, before they entered the crowded storage unit with the rest of the team. Boxes lined the walls, a few pieces of modest wooden furniture piled in the center. Besides agents and officers, the space was devoid of life, or any signs of it. The inside of the unit looked exactly as Jake left it when he and Dana stowed Claire’s belongings there months ago.

“He’s not here,” Jake said.

Richter scratched his 5 o’clock shadow. “Maybe we shouldn’t have warned him.”

Jake shook his head. “A standoff wouldn’t have served anyone. Better to play it safe. Besides, it doesn’t look like anyone’s been here.”

“Now what?” Richter asked.

Jake nodded to the nearest camera mounted on a light pole. “Let’s check with the office. Maybe we can access the security footage.”

Richter nodded. “On it.”

Jake sighed, reaching for his phone to let Dana know the results.