Page 180 of Girl Between

Jake planned to go to Nevada to see for himself and perhaps givehis tenacious brother a piece of his mind, but that would have to wait. Dana’s recovery took precedence.

Warmth spread through him as Jake let himself imagine Dana by his side at his awkward homecoming. It turned out maybe he didn’t have to do everything alone.

After the media dissipated, Jake adjusted his stance and made his way toward George, his mind already rehearsing the words he needed to say. There was no hesitation in his steps—only purpose.

Now that the dust had settled on the case, all that remained was to clear the air between them.

Taking a deep breath, Jake absorbed the weight of the conversation he was about to have with his friend. He knew that leaving New Orleans required wrapping up loose ends, and George was one of the most important ones. Jake wanted to make sure there were no lingering misunderstandings or hard feelings.

Despite his initial misgivings, Vincent George had proved a steadfast friend. That was a rarity in Jake’s line of work.A rarity in life in general.

As they navigated the precinct steps to the busy sidewalk, the familiar sights and sounds of the city filled Jake with a sense of nostalgia. He spotted Lena up ahead. She waved at them with a warm smile as they approached.

Jake found he was grateful for the small gesture of camaraderie. Not only had Jake discovered a true friendship, but he’d expanded his inner circle as well. It was an unexpected surprise that had come from his brief time in New Orleans.

“Well,” George said, “I guess this is where we part ways.”

“Can we talk?” Jake asked, his voice sincere.

George looked up, a mix of surprise and confusion on his face. “What’s on your mind?”

Jake faced his friend, his expression earnest. “I just wanted to clear the air between us. Dana and I … we’re putting the past behind us. Trying to move forward together. I hope we can leave things on good terms.”

George gave a small smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Jake, Dana’s always been your other half. I’m happy you both figured that out. Truly.”

“I can’t thank you enough for looking out for her when I couldn’t,” Jake added.

George stepped closer, hand extended. “Don’t mention it, brother.”

They shook hands, two ex-soldiers, parting as friends.

A sense of relief and gratitude washed over Jake as they continued down the sidewalk together.

“So you’re really retiring?” George asked, falling into step with him.

“I wouldn’t exactly call going private retirement,” Jake answered. “I’m a one-man operation now. Probably have more work on my plate than ever.”

“Yeah, but now you’ve got a good woman by your side. I’ve heard that can make all the difference.”

Jake couldn’t hide the smile that warmed him from head to toe. “Maybe it’s time you start looking for one.”

George gave him a wink. “Way ahead of ya.”

Jake raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh yeah?”

“Lena. She’s … she’s something special,” George admitted. “I owe Dana for helping me see that.”

Jake grinned, clapping George on the shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it. You deserve happiness too, brother.”

The two men walked together, the weight of past tensions lifting. As they approached Café Beignet, Jake noticed George’s pace change. There was an extra urgency in his step. It was obvious Lena was the source, as she flashed a flirty smile.

George returned one of his own before turning to Jake “Excuse me. I’ve gotta see a coroner about a coffee.”

Jake laughed, as George hurried down the street, a sense of peace settling over him. With friendships mended and a future full of promise, he knew they were all moving in the right direction. Out ofthe darkness and into the light. With a final nod, Jake left George to claim the potential budding future of his own.

Turning his gaze toward the horizon, Jake was ready to embrace the new chapter awaiting him. One that he would forge with Dana Gray at his side.

EPILOGUE