His career as a SEAL commander was effectively over.

The plane’s engines roared, and the aircraft began its high-speed roll down the runway.

The pressure pushed me back into my seat.

Within seconds, the wheels left the ground.

We climbed through the low clouds, the gray sky turning to bright sunlight above the layer.

I picked up the phone and dialed Nathan’s number.

He answered on the first ring.

“Evelyn?” he said, his voice strained and quiet.

“Commander Reed,” I said.

“Evelyn, thank god. There has been a massive mistake.”

“There is no mistake, Commander,” I said.

“My detailer just called,” Nathan said, his voice rising in panic. “He said my orders to the Special Warfare group are canceled. He said I’m being sent to Kodiak.”

“That is correct,” I said.

“Why?” he asked. “You can stop this. You’re the incoming commander.”

“I did stop it,” I said.

“Evelyn, please. Caroline and I… we didn’t know.”

“You knew exactly who you were talking to, Nathan,” I said. “You just didn’t know I had the authority to hold you accountable.”