“I did some pretty bad things, Jack.”

Almost instantly, tension mushroomed between the two men so alike in history, values, countenance. One more weakness frayed the bonds that lingered.

Admitting his actions would make Jack nervous, edgy, untrusting. But it was all he could do.

And it was true. Tony had committed merciless crimes in his time. Every now and again he looked back on his decisions and wondered if he should have rejected their offers. If he should have let himself die.

He tried to keep from the ruthless shootings and bombings that only victimized the innocent. He wanted the government to pay, not the people. He just wanted to get his revenge and go home.

But sometimes, people died anyway.

He could see the strain in Jack’s face as he clenched his jaw and turned away.

The listless echoes haunted his steps. He feared Jack would lose faith in him even as they reconciled. But he could hardly bear to lie to one of the few people he ever trusted.

It was time Tony confessed. His fate was no longer in his hands.

He’d done his praying.