“You are an amateur,” Margaret replied, her tone dripping with quiet disdain. “Did you truly believe your little broadcast would go unnoticed?”

My hand tightened around the transmitter in my pocket.

“The federal task force has the recording,” I said.

“The federal task force answers to people who require funding,” Margaret said. “People who require the support of the Prescott family.”

I felt a cold sensation in the pit of my stomach, but I kept my posture rigid.

“The evidence of Melissa Vance’s murder cannot be ignored,” I said.

“Melissa Vance was a troubled girl who drowned,” Margaret said smoothly. “The local police closed that case months ago. It will stay closed.”

“Not anymore,” I said.

“We shall see,” Margaret said. “But let us discuss your immediate future, Colonel.”

I watched Brandon. He had slumped into a leather chair, his face buried in his hands.

“My future is secure,” I said.

“I spoke with Senator Vaughan ten minutes ago,” Margaret said.

The name hit me like a physical blow.

Senator Vaughan was the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.