“My father has no authority over Navy investigations,” I said.

“But he has authority over you,” Nathan said. “He can make your life very difficult. You know how he values family loyalty above everything else.”

“He values status,” I said. “And right now, you are a liability to that status.”

Nathan looked down at the folder, his grip tightening until the cardboard creaked.

“Just give me two weeks,” he whispered. “Let the board meet. Once the promotion is approved, I will personally request a reassignment to Norfolk. We will be out of your way.”

“The board meets on Friday,” I said.

“Then you only have to hold the file for three days,” he said.

I looked at him, seeing the fear beneath the bravado, the absolute terror of a man who realized his house of cards was about to fall.

Before I could answer, the screen of my secure phone lit up inside my coat pocket, vibrating against my chest.

I reached in and pulled it out, keeping the screen angled away from him.