THE BATTALION SON IN LAW

CHAPTER 5 - Escort duty

"Sir! Mr. Sterling, sir!"

The enthusiastic voice made Max turn to see a young man in ranger uniform jogging toward him, his face flushed with excitement and exertion. The ranger couldn't have been more than twenty-two, with sandy hair and bright eyes that held far too much optimism for someone heading to a war zone.

"You must be Jackson," Max said, straightening as the young man approached.

"Yes, sir! Ranger Jackson Mills, reporting for escort duty!" Jackson snapped to attention with military precision, though his grin undermined the formality. "I can't believe I get to escort you to Meridian Border Station! This is going to be amazing!"

Max studied the eager young face before him. Amazing isn't the word I'd use for a suicide mission.

"Have you been to the border before, Jackson?"

"No, sir, but I've heard stories! The action, the danger, the glory of defending our homeland!" Jackson's eyes practically sparkled. "I bet you're excited too, right? I mean, after being stuck here playing house with the Hamilton family, you must be ready for some real adventure!"

Playing house. Max almost smiled at the unintentional insult. "Something like that."

"Jackson! There you are!"

Both men turned to see Logan Hamilton approaching across the garden, his expensive suit immaculate despite the early hour. Unlike his brother Alex, Logan carried himself with calculated charm, his smile practiced and his movements fluid as a politician's.

"Logan," Max said coolly. "I didn't expect to see you this morning."

"How could I let my dear brother-in-law leave without a proper farewell?" Logan's voice dripped with false warmth. "Especially after hearing about your... marital difficulties."

Jackson shifted uncomfortably, clearly sensing the tension but unsure of its source.

"The divorce is finalized," Max replied evenly. "There's nothing more to discuss."

"Oh, but there is," Logan said, his smile widening. "Rebecca's been quite vocal about her plans lately. Did you know she's positioning herself to take over more family responsibilities? Seems she thinks being free of... domestic obligations... will give her more time to focus on business."

The implication was crystal clear—Rebecca was using the divorce as a stepping stone to power within the Hamilton hierarchy.

"Good for her," Max said, refusing to take the bait.

"I thought you might appreciate this," Logan continued, pulling a small glass vial from his jacket pocket. The liquid inside was deep amber, almost golden in the morning light. "Hamilton Family Tonic. It's a rare supplement, been in our family for generations. Supposed to enhance strength and endurance."

Max accepted the vial, feeling its weight. Probably colored water, or worse. "How thoughtful."

"Well, you'll need all the help you can get where you're going," Logan said with that same practiced smile. "The border station has quite a reputation for... breaking men."

"Is that supposed to scare me?" Max asked, pocketing the vial without ceremony.

"Just being realistic, brother." Logan's eyes glittered with malice barely concealed behind his charm. "But I'm sure you'll handle it with your usual... competence."

Jackson looked between the two men, his enthusiasm dimming as he picked up on the undercurrents of hostility.

"We should go," Max said firmly. "The transport leaves in an hour."

As they walked away from the garden, Jackson couldn't contain his curiosity. "That guy seems like a real piece of work. Is he always that friendly?"

"Logan Hamilton's definition of friendly would make a snake blush," Max replied dryly.

The journey south took three days by military transport, the landscape gradually shifting from rolling Texas hills to harsh desert terrain. As they traveled, Max found himself remembering conversations from his previous life—particularly one with Silver Caldwell.

"You may not be the strongest soldier, Max, but you have something rarer—tactical intelligence. You see patterns others miss, connections others ignore. That's worth more than brute strength in the long run."

Silver had understood him in ways Rebecca never had. She'd seen potential where others saw weakness, strategy where others saw hesitation. Like him, she'd sacrificed her identity for family duty, taking on responsibilities that weren't truly hers.

"Sir?" Jackson's voice broke through his reverie. "We're entering disputed territory now. Caldwell region."

The heat was oppressive as they approached the southern border, the sun beating down mercilessly on the rocky terrain. In the distance, Meridian Border Station rose like a medieval fortress, its high walls and watchtowers a stark reminder of the dangers that lay beyond.

"Wow," Jackson breathed, his earlier enthusiasm tempered by the reality of their destination. "It's bigger than I expected."

"Bigger targets are harder to miss," Max observed.

Jackson laughed nervously. "You know, I have to admit, I'm not exactly the ranger corps' finest. I think they sent me here because I kept getting beaten up in training exercises."

"Join the club," Max said with genuine amusement. "I spent five years getting beaten down by the Hamilton family. At least here, when someone hits you, it's honest."

"That's... actually kind of comforting," Jackson replied with a weak smile.

As they approached the main gate, a figure appeared atop the station's wall—a woman with short-cropped dark hair and a commanding presence that was unmistakable even at a distance.

"Hold there!" The voice carried clearly across the desert air, strong and confident. "State your business!"

Max's heart skipped a beat. He'd know that voice anywhere.

"Ranger Jackson Mills and Max Sterling, reporting for duty!" Jackson called back, cupping his hands around his mouth.

The figure on the wall moved closer to the edge, and Max could make out her features more clearly now. Sharp cheekbones, intelligent dark eyes, and a bearing that spoke of someone accustomed to command.

"Sterling?" Silver Caldwell's voice carried a note of curiosity. "What kind of name is Sterling for a Hamilton family representative?"

She doesn't recognize me yet, Max realized. Of course not. I look different—stronger, more confident. The beaten-down man she knew is gone.

"The kind that's about to make things interesting," Max called back, unable to suppress a small smile.

Silver leaned forward, studying him intently. "Well, Sterling, interesting is exactly what we need around here. Welcome to Meridian Border Station. Try not to die on your first day—the paperwork is a nightmare."

As the gates began to creak open, Max felt a surge of anticipation he hadn't experienced in years. This time, things would be different. This time, he had the knowledge and determination to change not just his own fate, but perhaps Silver's as well.

Here we go again, he thought, shouldering his pack. But this time, I'm ready.