Surrender?

Jason stood in the middle of the barracks, brow furrowed in thought. He was of two minds. Both of them were not good. Matthew would have to die. There was no way around it. Either that or Valary would. Both outcomes made him want to kill himself. It was honestly, too depressing for words. And wasn’t that just the order of the day.

He hated that the General had put him in this position. Hated that the Mayor…

He couldn’t understand any of this. He just wanted to do the right thing, and deep down he felt that none of this was right. He shut his eyes for a moment, allowing those thoughts to linger…

“Commander?”

His eyes snapped open and he stiffened his back, folding his arms tight across his chest as he forced those thoughts away. There was no room for thoughts like that. He couldn’t let his resolve waver.

“Yeah?” He glanced sideways at the soldier who stood in the doorway.

“It’s Shadows.” His man was nervous. “He’s been sighted at the perimeter. And…uh…he’s not alone.”

Jason turned, frowning as he wondered who the Hell his former friend and superior would risk on an outing such as this.

“You set eyes on the unknown?”

The soldier swallowed hard. “You’re not going to like this, sir.”

Jason gritted his teeth. “Who is it?” Though he didn’t really want to know. It honestly boggled the mind that Matthew would consider bringing someone else with them…unless that someone had insisted…

“It’s James Sullivan, Commander.”

And there it was. Because The Rev could never help himself. He was into everything. Jason had always known that. In fact, he knew more than Shadows ever had. But, then Shadows had been a lot closer to Jimmy, which meant the male had kept a lot more from him. To keep him safe. Funny that.

Jason worked his jaw as he glowered at his man. “Let them come. I want to talk to Shadows.”

The soldier nodded and turned to leave. Jason waited several minutes before walking out to the entrance of the barracks. He lifted his eyes to the sky. It was overcast, which was somewhat fitting, considering the current mood. His mood.

“Jason.”

He flicked his eyes toward the path leading up to the entrance. Matthew and Jimmy were standing there, faces expressionless, eyes watchful. Jason looked them over. Matthew was armed, there was no way he wouldn’t be. No weapon was evident but the way he held himself was enough of a sign that he at least had a gun on him. The confident bearing of his head, the calmness that was frightening in its intensity.

“Shadows.” He kept his tone low. “What are you doing here?”

Matthew quirked an eyebrow. The only concession to the obvious stupidity of the question. Even Jason felt idiotic for asking.

“Where’s my wife?” he asked in a hard voice. Jason allowed his hands to hang loose by his sides but his eyes narrowed.

“She’s here in the holding cells.”

Matthew’s lips tightened slightly. “I want you to release her.”

“Do you think I’m stupid?” Jason asked an almost incredulous expression on his face.

“No. That’s why…” Matthew paused, glancing sideways at Jimmy. A look passed between them that Jason couldn’t fathom. Matthew returned his steely gaze back on Jason. “We,” he made a motion with his hand indicating himself and Jimmy, “have a deal to make.”

Jason growled, “The Creed doesn’t make deals with traitors.”

“Just hear us out, Jason,” Jimmy cut in, his voice strained. The T-One looked at the taller male. That wild beard was still in evidence, though it looked as if Jimmy had trimmed it a little. Jason grimaced inwardly at the fact that he even noticed something so banal in such a tense situation.

“Entertain me,” he muttered. He noticed Matthew’s expression tighten as if he seemed reluctant to respond.

Jimmy wasn’t as reticent. “You release Val, and take me.”

“Excuse me? Are you fucking insane?” Jason realised the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them; then he decided he’d let it go, because that was exactly the right thing to say.

Matthew snorted. “I asked him that, too.”

Jimmy smirked. “Jason, you know what I’m about. I’d say it’s a fair deal.”

Jason frowned. “True…” he stopped when he saw the flash of confusion in Matthew’s eyes. “But, I think you might want to fill Shads in.”

“Jimmy?” Matthew tilted his head.

Jimmy sighed, shaking his head. “The deets aren’t important.” He glared at Jason. “That’s not important.”

“I would think if you’re planning on doing something stupid like this…”

“Val’s one of my best friends, and you can’t do this to her.” Jimmy’s voice had an uncharacteristic edge to it. “Me for her. That’s the deal.”

Jason stared at him then cast a look at Matthew who seemed on the cusp of saying something. “Shads?”

“That’s the deal.” Matthew squared his shoulders and lifted his chin a cold glint in his eyes. Jason could read the resolve in his expression and sensed that the Commander in him wasn’t that far away. As much as friendships mattered to him, when it came to doing what was best for the situation he’d do it, no matter the cost. Though this…this was pushing the envelope further than he’d ever gone.

“So, you’re actually on board with this?”

Matthew’s lips twisted. “If I had another solution…” He shook his head. “Jason…” He stopped and looked away. Jason hooked his thumbs into his waist band, brow furrowing.

“This doesn’t solve anything.”

Matthew scoffed, getting the final word in. “A band isn’t much without a drummer, Jason.”

* * * * *

Val lifted her head as the door to her cell swung open. One of the soldiers stood there with a bemused look on his face. He looked at her then jerked his thumb over his shoulder.

“Shadows is here for you.”

Valary blinked. “Pardon?”

“Your husband.” The soldier stood with the door open, waiting for her to move. She just stared at him not sure she had heard correctly.

“I’m…free to go?”

“Yeah,” he said sullenly. “Commander’s orders.”

Val frowned not sure if she could trust Jason at this moment, but she didn’t really want to remain in the cell. So, she stood and allowed the soldier to lead her out to the entrance of the cell block.

Matthew was standing there, face grim. And he wasn’t alone.

“Jimmy?” Val was surprised. The elder male smiled a sad edge to the expression.

“Hi, Val.”

She blinked then glared at Matthew. “What is he doing here?” She couldn’t believe that Matthew would drag any of their friends into this. It was dangerous… “Matthew?”

Matthew shook his head as the soldier unlocked the gate and let her through. She stalked up to him and frowned even more.

“Why is he here, Matthew? He should be…with the others.” She glanced at Jimmy. “Did he convince you to come with him?”

Jimmy shook his head. “No, Val. This was my decision.”

He stepped close to her and held open his arms. She blinked, looking over at her husband. Matthew wore an almost tired expression as if the stress of her incarceration had taken its toll on him. There was something else there as well, but she didn’t want to dig too deep into that. Instead she allowed Jimmy to engulf her in a hard embrace, rocking slightly together for a moment.

He murmured, “Look after Matt for me, Val…he needs you more than ever, now.” She looked up at the tall male and grimaced.

“And what about you, Jimmy?”

He smiled tightly. “Yeah…about that…” he paused, his eyes grave. “There’s a condition to your release.”

“Condition?” Val felt a chill run down her spine at his words. “What exactly?”

Jimmy turned his profile toward the soldier who stood there observing their little reunion. He removed a pair of handcuffs from his belt. Val started, eyes widening at the implications of his movements.

“No…you…you didn’t?”

Jimmy nodded, eyes filled with an inexplicable sadness. “Matthew gets to take you with him. I stay here.”

“No!” Val clutched at his shirt. Then she spun around, furiously glaring at her husband. “You can’t let him do this, Matthew!”

Matthew rubbed a hand against his cheek. “Val, it’s not up for negotiation. This is what has to happen.”

She shook her head, blinking hard as tears sprang unbidden to her eyes. “No. You can’t be serious!”

She trembled and clung to Jimmy again. He hugged her gently then unwrapped his arms from her, moving back from her. Val stared at him, anguish causing her stomach to roll. “No…” It felt as if everything were falling apart and she hadn’t expected that. None of this was meant to happen…not like this.

“Valary.” Jimmy caught her attention again. She met his bright blue gaze, but said nothing; she couldn’t form anymore words. His lips twitched into his characteristic crazy-ass Rev smile. “It’s going to be alright, we’ll get through this.”

She just blinked at him then turned to her husband. Matthew pulled her in close to his side then nodded to Jimmy.

“Dude…look after yourself.” The strain in his voice was more evident than was usual, but considering the situation it wasn’t all that much of a surprise. Jimmy nodded in response then swung around to face the guard and held his hands out in front of him. The soldier stepped forward to cuff him then lead him to the gate.

Val turned her head away against Matthew’s chest; he stroked her hair and murmured, “Let’s go.” She nodded as they both heard the click of the gate.

Wiping hurriedly at her face she stepped away from Matthew and headed for the exit. He followed her not looking back once, knowing there was no point, what was done was done.