I picked up the physical folder, slid the documents back inside, and tied the red string.

I tucked the folder under my arm.

I logged off my secure computer terminal, watching the screens go black one by one.

The office was completely dark now, save for the pale light from the hallway filtering under the door.

I grabbed my coat from the rack and put my personal phone in my pocket.

It buzzed twice against my hip as I walked toward the door.

I did not look at it.

I knew it was either Caroline or my father, demanding an update.

I opened the door and stepped out into the quiet hallway.

The duty watch officer, a young lieutenant, stood up from his desk and saluted.

“Goodnight, Admiral,” he said.

“Goodnight, Lieutenant,” I replied, returning the salute.

I walked down the long, carpeted corridor toward the secure elevator.

My heels clicked against the hard tile of the lobby as I exited the building.

The night air was sharp and smelled of salt and wet asphalt.

My driver was waiting by the black sedan, the engine idling quietly.