Hello there!

They say that time supposed to heal you but I ain't done much healing … I still miss The Brave terribly. Writing helps me for now. Next chapter will be up soon I promise :)

Thanks for reading :)

Much obliged,

Abby

Dalton's Promise

Chapter 3

Immediately, they knocked at Patricia's door and when they opened it, they saw her desk in disarray and Patricia with her head down.

Hannah swallowed hard, braced herself and asked "What's the update?"

"Captain Halsey's team made a sweep of the area. The house was completely blown away. They found 11 dead bodies floating away but none of them was Dalton. A US issued Kevlar vest with "Does not play with others" tag was found floating. That is definitely Dalton's. With this storm, he could be swept off anywhere in the Pacific." Patricia sounding crushed.

"So there's 50/50 chance that Dalton is not even with the Chinese?" asks Hannah.

Patricia fidgeting with her watch "Could be. But they could have gotten him and tossed the vest so it will also throw us off. There is also that possibility."

"What would you like me to tell the team?" Noah said gloomily.

"I'll do it. They deserve the truth. Call them. " Patricia orders Hannah.

The team was huddled in the screen waiting for Patricia.

"Team, Captain Adam Dalton is officially MIA. " Patricia paused. She can see the shock, anguish, pain in their faces. Jaz has a tear fallen from her stoic face. "There was an explosion at the location of the house. We sought the help of Captain Halsey and his team. Since the storm provided cover for us, they were able to do their sweep but they did not find Dalton. For now, Preach, the plane for your evac will arrive at 2300H to bring you back here and I'll put your entire team in mandatory medical leave. Dr. Xander Martin will make an appointment with each one of you so please make yourselves available. Have a safe flight back. That is the end of my official statement."

Patricia continued on. "Unofficially, I would do everything in my power to bring Adam home. I pulled some strings and as we speak, a DEVGRU team is in China to continue the search for Dalton. We will not leave any stone unturned. We will get him back. Dismissed."

A collective sigh was heard after Patricia ended the link. Amir looked at Jaz. She gave him the sharpest side eye. If looks could kill, he'll be dead now. She turned her back to him. He called out and tugged Jaz's hand preventing her easy escape. She lashed out and slapped him hard on the face. The sound of her palm resonated loud in the hut. The guys were shocked as well as Jaz. Her eyes wide as if realizing the enormity of what she has just done. It looked like she was about to say something but then just hurriedly went outside.

Amir spoke to both Preach and McG. "Guys, look out for Jaz. She doesn't want me to be around her right now."

Preach tapped Amir on the chest. "We will. This is hard on all of us but what I ask of you is to be patient and understanding with her." Amir nodded his agreement.

McG patting his shoulders "Come, let's put something cold on your face."

The plane ride home is quiet. Too quiet. McG observes the team. Preach is in one end, contemplating and probably praying. Amir is keeping his distance. He is at the far end of the plane with his prayer rug, chanting and bowing his head.

Jaz is seated by the window looking like she's in a trancelike state. He imagined Jaz would say something after the director told them about Top but aside from the physical outburst she had with Amir, she remains silent. This was what she was like when they lost Elijah but he's got a feeling in his gut that this is going to be so much worse. She'd shut the world off.

"Jaz if…"

"I know you mean well McG, but not now please." Jaz not letting him speak, not even looking at him.

"Ok, I'll give you your space but I'm here if you need me. All of us are here for you". McG wants to fix his team.

"Yeah, all except for Top." She mumbled the words but McG understood her clearly.

Preach heard their conversation and chimes in. "Let her be for now. I have confidence in Adam. He's a fighter. He'll do everything to survive out there."

McG nods and hopes they find Top ASAP for he is the only reason this team can be whole again.