Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Epilogue

H awke entered the premises of the Noble Network Security to meet Gunner. The new investors had funded the facility. He shook his head. Funny how things work out. He took a deep breath and opened one of the private conference rooms. Gunner had his feet on the table, his hands interlocked behind his head.

“Pretty cool digs.” He jumped up and gave Hawke a high-five. “How’s Kinley?”

“She’s perfect.” Hawke paced the room and looked out the window. How am I going to tell him? A thought he’d grappled with for weeks. He’d had to wait until he heard from John again so he wouldn’t destroy hope for Gunner, Galena, and the General. He had to give them proof or they wouldn’t believe him. The proof was waiting in a private room at the end of the hall with Kinley, her parents, and John. Kinley had hatched a plan and persuaded him to fill out the legal paperwork. She could be very convincing. But he wasn’t about to open the door to a threat if John wasn’t Hunter or had a past that could harm those he loved. He had done his own recon and everything he needed to make today happen.

“Hawke, what’s up? You know I get twisted when you pace.”

“Sorry, I have a lot on my mind. You know I will always have your best interest in everything I do.”

“I know.” Gunner raised a brow.”

“Remember the guy who was at Kinley’s apartment, then later helped me locate her?”

Gunner leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “John, right? I think you said he was military trained, but didn’t he bust you up sideways? How’s your head?”

“He did, and it’s better. I hit back harder and broke a few bones. I did a background check and got fingerprints. But there’s something I didn’t tell you and it’s been gnawing at me since. I had to be certain.”

“What happened to getting to the point? Cough it up already. The suspense is killing me.”

Hawke stopped and leaned on the table. “Relax. There will be more questions and the more you hear, I might not have all the answers.”

“The guy did us right with Kinley. There was something oddly recognizable, overtly too familiar. It was his voice. My sight was all jacked, so we were far into the chase before I caught sight of him.”

“Who is he?”

“He goes by John Smith.”

“Come on, really? My gut reaction is John Smith is hiding something.”

Hawke pulled a chair from the table, taking the file he had in his palm, he placed it in front of Gunner.

“He might be, but he has no memory of it. I traced him back only three years. I know him, but he doesn’t remember me.” Hawke squeezed his hands together. Dammit, this is painful. “G, you know him, we all know him, but you better than anyone.” Hawke leaned in and exhaled. Gunner’s expression was unnerving.

He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Look at me, Gunner. John Smith’s prints came back and they’re in this folder.” Hawke inched the file closer.

Gunner opened the file and inspected the documents. “Why is there a military photo of Hunter?” He looked from one set of prints to another, then the comparison sheet. He shot out of his chair. “What?” He covered his eyes. “My brother. Hunter is John Smith?”

Hawke nodded. “It’s him. I saw with my own eyes.”

He shook his head. “And he doesn’t know you? How can that be?”

“Remember when he took sniper fire in the field, and I stitched him up?”

Gunner clawed his fingers through his scalp. “Yeah, above his right elbow. Nicked a bleeder.”

“It’s there. When I realized it was him, I called him by his name and nothing. He didn’t recognize me. The only nugget found as we researched went back maybe three years, and the data was from Kinley’s dad who employed him. He suffers from severe headaches and has eye issues, that’s why he’s wearing shaded glasses. It’s legit. I did a polygraph. Two. He doesn’t appear to have recollection beyond two to three years. It’s foggy. It’s him, no question.”

“You found my brother. He’s back after all these years.” Gunner hugged Hawke and emotion took over him. They stood there for several moments. “What now? Where is he?” Gunner steps trudged in one direction nervously, then did an about-face.

“We need to take it slow and tell your aunt and the General first. They’ll know how best to handle the situation. Everything we need is here in this facility. We need assistance from a professional who deals with this type of thing. We can’t cause him anymore damage. You’re my family, Hunter’s family. We need to keep him close until he regains his memory, and we all know what happened to him. I was desperate, and offered him a position on the team, he took it, thankfully, we can’t lose him again.”

“Hell no, we can’t. When can I see him?” Gunner stepped forward with hope in his eyes.

“If you’re up to it, today. But first, let’s talk to the boss. She and the General are in her office.”

Gunner rubbed his hands together. “What are we waiting for?”

Hawke opened the door and waved him on. “Come on, G. Let’s get the brotherhood back together.”