“The chain of custody is documented on page four of that report.”

“You will find the signatures of the medical officers who verified the collection.”

Claire leaned across the table, her fingernails digging into the polished wood.

“You quiet, Emily,” Claire spat, her voice trembling with rage.

“You have always been jealous of us.”

“Jealous of my marriage, jealous of Andrew’s success, jealous that Mom and Dad actually proud of someone.”

Mother nodded quickly, pulling a tissue from her purse to dab her eyes.

“Emily, how could you do this?” Mother sobbed.

“On Andrew’s big day, in front of all these people.”

“Your sister has worked so hard to support him, and you bring this trash into a military ceremony.”

Father finally spoke, his voice deep and rumbling with disapproval.

“I expected better of you, Emily,” he said, shaking his head.

“You’ve always had a chip on your shoulder because we supported Claire’s choices.”

“But bringing a dead soldier into your petty sibling rivalry is a new low.”

I looked at my father, seeing the familiar coldness in his eyes.