I slid the stack of messages toward the General.

“These are encrypted messages recovered from Andrew’s personal laptop, which was connected to the Fort Garrison secure network.”

“They show a systematic pattern of extortion directed at Captain Marcus Vance.”

The General leaned forward, his eyes scanning the printed messages.

The room was so quiet I could hear the ticking of the wall clock behind me.

“As you can see, General, the demands began shortly after Marcus was assigned to the logistics division,” I said.

“Andrew threatened to expose the affair and the child’s true paternity to you, and to the military board, which would have ruined Marcus’s career.”

“In exchange for his silence, Andrew demanded specific favors.”

I pointed to a message dated four years ago.

“Here, Andrew demands that Marcus influence the local promotion board to ensure Andrew’s name was moved to the top of the list for Major.”

“And here, two years later, he demands Marcus arrange for his transfer to Fort Garrison as the executive officer.”

The General’s face was unreadable, but his fingers pressed so hard against the paper that the edges began to crease.