“Evelyn,” Father said, his voice dropping into the low, negotiating register he used for business.

“Let us put aside the deception for a moment.”

“It was not a deception,” I said. “It was operational security.”

“Whatever you wish to call it,” Father dismissed with a wave of his hand.

“The fact remains that you hold a position of significant influence.”

He looked over at Nathan, then back to me.

“Nathan is a highly decorated officer,” Father said.

“His advancement is a matter of family importance.”

“He is a Commander, Father,” I said. “He must follow the promotion board process like every other officer.”

“The board is bureaucratic nonsense, and you know it,” Father said, his voice hardening.

“You are a Rear Admiral in the department that oversees his entire branch.”

He tapped his index finger on the mahogany table to emphasize his words.

“I want you to use your authority to bypass the queue,” Father said.

“I want Nathan’s promotion to Captain approved, and I want him assigned to the European Command.”

“Father,” Nathan said, his voice tight. “Please. You are crossing a line.”