My phone vibrated in my pocket again.

I pulled it out.

It was a text message from Caroline.

*You have ruined my life. I will never forgive you for this. I hope you are happy.*

I deleted the message and blocked her number.

Then I blocked my father’s number.

I leaned my head back against the leather seat and closed my eyes.

The car accelerated as we hit the interstate, heading south toward Maryland.

My flight was scheduled for 1800.

“Admiral,” Miller said from the front seat.

“Yes, Miller?”

“The Chief of Naval Operations’ office just sent over the final briefing packets for your new command.”

“And?” I asked.

“The Senate confirmed the appointment thirty minutes ago,” he said. “Your new flag will be raised in Naples on Monday.”

“Thank you, Miller,” I said.

I looked out at the Potomac River as we crossed the bridge.

The water was dark and choppy under the gray sky.

In seventy-two hours, I would be on the other side of the Atlantic, taking control of the Sixth Fleet.

My family would be left behind in the wreckage of their own ambitions.