Miz stares out over the yard of their house, barely reacting when AJ steps up behind him, curling her arms around him. "Promise me," he says suddenly.
"What?" she whispers, kissing his shoulder.
He turns slowly and looks at her, eyes grim, lips pressed into a tight grimace. "Promise me you'll be careful. Nikki is targetting Scarlett now, and I don't know... she might come after you next. I just want you to be diligent, make sure..."
AJ nods. "I know. I'll be ok, Mike. Don't worry about me."
"I can't stop," he mumbles. "This is all spiraling so far out of control. It... it was never about Marine 7. You have to know that."
AJ's eyes soften. "I do, husband," she says, stroking his face. "I knew that from the beginning. It's going to be ok, just breathe."
"I don't know if I can," he mumbles, closing his eyes as he rests his cheek against her palm. "It's so... I'm so scared."
AJ frowns up at him, leaning up on her toes to kiss him. "I know. I know you are, so am I. But we'll get through it together. I promise you."
He can do nothing but believe her, arms tight around her as he holds her close.