Nathan flinched.

“An audit?” Caroline cried out.

“You made that up!”

“You’re just looking for typos to hold up his paperwork.”

“You want him to miss the Friday board deadline so we have to postpone the wedding.”

“You are sick, Evelyn.”

“You are so consumed by your own loneliness that you want to ruin my life.”

She turned to our father, her eyes welling with theatrical tears.

“Dad, do something.”

“She’s using her position to harass us.”

My father stepped forward, standing only inches from me.

“I will call the Secretary’s office tomorrow morning,” my father said.

“I know the Undersecretary of the Navy.”

“We had dinner last month at the club.”

“I will personally ensure your supervisor hears about this abuse of power.”

I kept my face perfectly still.

“You should do that, Father,” I said.

“Let him know exactly what you think of my department’s work.”

“Are you threatening me?” my father asked, his eyes narrowing.

“No,” I said.

“I am telling you that military procedures are not subject to family dinners at the country club.”

I turned to Nathan.