“Lock your door. Ten minutes,” Jeremiah instructed, his voice a mix of calm and command. He hung up and immediately made a call to his closest friend and fellow Marine, Sergeant Tom Hayes. Tom didn’t need details; he just needed to know where and when. “On my way,” was all he said before hanging up.

When they arrived at his ex-wife’s house, the scene was tense. The house was dimly lit, shadows playing tricks with the eyes. Jeremiah and Tom moved with a silent precision born from years of missions together. They were unstoppable when it came to protecting one of their own.

Jeremiah knocked, calm but firm. Shane opened the door, his eyes widening with a mix of surprise and recognition. The look on Shane’s face said everything; he knew why Jeremiah was there. The bravado fueled by alcohol and friends faded under the scrutiny of two Marines who demanded respect without a word.