“And Captain Morgan is under my direct command.”

He walked into the living room, his boots clicking on the hardwood floor.

He stopped in front of Daniel and held out his hand.

“Let me see that document,” General Hayes commanded.

Daniel hesitated, looking at his mother for guidance.

“Give it to him, Daniel,” I said.

Daniel slowly handed the paper to the General.

General Hayes held the document up to the light of the floor lamp.

He squinted at the letterhead, his jaw tightening as he scanned the lines of text.

“Who gave this to you?” General Hayes asked.

He pointed his finger at a specific line on the page.

“This signature,” General Hayes said, his thumb tapping the bottom of the page.

“What about it?” Daniel asked, his voice cracking slightly.

“It is signed by a Dr. Aris Thorne,” the General said.

He looked up, his eyes locking onto Daniel.

“Dr. Thorne retired from laboratory work five years ago,” Hayes continued.

“He currently serves on an advisory board for the Department of Defense.”

“I personally spoke to him this morning.”