“You are going to find that file,” my father said. “And you are going to reject it.”

“The transfer is based on merit and operational need,” I said.

“I don’t care about merit,” he said. “If Nathan leaves D.C., his engagement to Caroline will stall. I will not have my family’s plans ruined by a stubborn lieutenant commander.”

I looked at the red “Approve” button on my screen.

“And if I cannot do that?” I asked.

My father let out a dry, humorless laugh.

“You will do it,” he said. “Because if you don’t, I will ensure your military career ends this week.”

“You don’t have that authority,” I said softly.

“Try me,” he said. “I will have you reassigned to the most remote outpost in Alaska before the weekend.”

He paused, his breathing heavy over the line.

“And don’t bother coming home for Sunday dinner if that transfer goes through,” he added. “You will be dead to this family.”

The threat hung in the air.

I looked at the monitor.

My finger hovered over the mouse.

I could hear the rain tapping against the reinforced glass of my office window.