The General took a step forward, his shadow falling across the desk.

“Lieutenant Colonel Carter is currently facing charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” the General said.

“These actions constitute fraud, conduct unbecoming of an officer, and wire mail tampering.”

Claire took a step toward the General, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“You can’t do this to him,” she said.

“He has served this country for eighteen years.”

“He deserves this command.”

“Your husband’s career in the United States Army is over, Mrs. Carter,” the General said coldly.

“The only question remaining is the extent of your own involvement in these matters.”

Claire’s face flushed a deep crimson.

She looked at her mother, then at her father, searching for the support she had always received.

My father did not look back at her.

He kept his eyes on the photocopies of my hand-written letters, his thumb tracing the blue ink of my signature.

“All those years,” my father whispered.

“We didn’t speak to you for three years, Emily.”

“I know, Dad,” I said.