It was the same look he gave me when I chose the academy over the local college they wanted me to attend.

“This isn’t about sibling rivalry, Dad,” I said quietly.

“This is about the truth, and it is about the law.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Carter used his authority to alter deployment records and withhold survivor benefits.”

“He did it to cover up his own financial discrepancies.”

General Vance raised a hand, silencing the table.

“I will examine the evidence myself,” the General said.

He opened the folder and began reading the first page line by line.

The only sound in the room was the low hum of the air conditioning unit.

Andrew stared at the folder as if it were a bomb about to detonate.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, his thumb moving quickly over the screen.

“Put the phone on the table, Colonel Carter,” General Vance said without looking up from the paperwork.

Andrew froze, then slowly placed the device on the wood.

Just as he did, the screen lit up with an incoming text message.