Chapter 10 - The Commander’s Return
Two days later, the private airstrip at Reno-Tahoe International Airport shimmered under a brilliant morning sun that melted the frost off the wings of my chartered commuter flight.
I stepped down the metal stairs wearing civilian clothes, a simple canvas jacket protecting me from the crisp alpine breeze, carrying my military duffel bag over my shoulder just as I had when I first arrived in Tahoe.
A dark gray tactical SUV idled near the tarmac gate. Ethan Wright leaned against the passenger door, wearing polarized sunglasses and holding a steaming paper cup of black coffee, a faint smirk playing across his lips.
“Welcome back to the basin, Commander,” Ethan said as I walked up, tossing my duffel into the trunk. “The house is completely empty. The locks have been reset to Tier-1 biometric encryption, and your father’s legal team formally surrendered the Sacramento deed an hour ago.”
I climbed into the passenger seat, letting the heavy door slam shut with a solid, reassuring thud.
“Did they leave anything behind?” I asked, sliding my sunglasses into place as Ethan pulled the SUV onto the highway heading toward the mountains.
“Just a few empty champagne bottles and a mountain of regret,” Ethan laughed, shifting gears as we climbed the winding forest road. “Your father and Olivia are currently crashing at a budget motel off Route 50, trying to figure out how to pay for a tow truck.”
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I looked out the window as the familiar, breathtaking expanse of Lake Tahoe opened up before us, its deep blue waters sparkling under the winter sun. The villa stood proudly among the pines, entirely mine once more—safe, quiet, and uncompromised.
“Let them figure it out,” I said, resting my hand on the armrest. “My tour of duty here is just getting started.”
