The mandatory pre-dive safety signature was missing.

In its place was a digital override code.

The code belonged to Nathan.

He had bypassed the safety officers entirely, risking his men’s lives to keep his exercise on schedule.

And then he had accepted a medal for it.

I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking in the quiet room.

My desk phone buzzed.

A text message from Caroline appeared on the screen of my personal phone.

*Father said he talked to you. Just sign it, Evelyn. Don’t be jealous because I’m finally getting out of this town.*

I did not reply.

I looked at the two screens glowing in the dark office.

On one screen was the authorization button that would secure Nathan’s promotion and keep my place in the family.

On the other screen was the evidence of a cover-up that could end his career.

I reached for the mouse.

Before I could click, the doorknob to my office turned.

The door swung open, casting a wedge of yellow light from the corridor across my desk.

It was Lieutenant Commander Miller, my chief of staff.