“Vance, surely you see the absurdity of this,” my father said, his voice carrying the weight of his former political influence.

“My daughter Emily has always had an overactive imagination when it comes to rules.”

“She’s trying to settle a childhood score on the Army’s dime.”

“I suggest we table this discussion and handle this privately, without ruining a fine officer’s name over a domestic dispute.”

I looked at the General, watching the subtle shift in his expression.

He wasn’t looking at my father.

He was looking at a specific document near the back of the folder—a document that detailed the timeline of Andrew’s promotions.

I knew exactly what he was reading.

He was reading the section that detailed the rapid rise of Andrew Carter through the ranks over the last three years.

A rise that had been signed off on by the General’s own son, Major Thomas Vance.

Andrew’s eyes were fixed on the General’s face, watching for any sign of recognition.

A bead of sweat ran down the side of Andrew’s temple, disappearing into his collar.