“I see that now.”

The red light on the desk phone began to flash again, accompanied by a sharp, demanding ring.

The General reached over my shoulder and picked up the receiver.

“Colonel Parker’s office, General Vance speaking,” he said.

He listened for a moment, his jaw tightening.

“Hold all calls unless it is the garrison duty officer,” the General said, then hung up the phone.

He looked at Claire, his eyes narrowing.

“Mrs. Carter, the investigation into your husband’s financial accounts shows several large deposits into a boutique retail business registered under your name,” the General said.

“The source of those funds matches the unauthorized transfers from your sister’s savings account.”

Claire stiffened, her gaze darting to the floor.

“I don’t know anything about the bank transfers,” she said quickly.

“Andrew handled the finances for the business.”

“That is not what the signature cards indicate,” the General said.

He reached into his own folder and pulled out a single sheet of paper.

“Your signature is on the deposit slips for every transfer made during the last fiscal year.”

Claire looked at the paper, her breathing becoming shallow and fast.