Just as Ethan was about to announce he was leaving, a massive, black Escalade rounded the corner, followed closely by a Suburban. The vehicles looked imposing, heavily tinted, and utterly out of place on the quiet street.
Jason jumped out first, his suit rumpled, a thin line of dried blood near his ear, but otherwise fine. He looked relieved and hurried toward the group.
Ethan saw the blood. He saw the frantic drive. The hours of escalating tension, the fear of losing the one person who gave him genuine loyalty in this new life, snapped his composure.
He didn't walk; he ran.
"Jason!" Ethan nearly shouted, his voice cracking with relief and anger. He grabbed Jason's lapels, shaking him. "What the hell happened? Why didn't you answer? I heard shooting! I thought you were".
