216

Damien

I couldn't shake the gnawing sense of frustration that had consumed me since the encounter with Monroe. Despite my best efforts, he remained elusive, a shadowy figure lurking just beyond the reach of my grasp, taunting me with his insidious presence.

I knew that if I wanted to get any closer to him, I would have to shed the trappings of my corporate identity and embrace the instincts of a soldier once more. It was a daunting prospect, one that filled me with equal parts trepidation and determination. But as the hours dragged on, each passing moment serving as a painful reminder of my failure to protect those I held dear, I knew that I had no choice but to act.

With a resolute sigh, I reached for my phone, my fingers dancing across the screen as I dialed the number of an old army buddy. His gruff voice crackled through the line, a welcome familiarity in the midst of uncertainty.

"Damien, what can I do for you?" he greeted, the warmth of camaraderie evident in his tone.

"Hey,