“I chose not to crush you,” he corrected. “But I can change my mind very quickly.”

He pointed a finger at my chest.

“I have the Senate Armed Services Committee in my pocket,” he said.

“I know the Chairman. I know the Secretary of Defense.”

“They won’t protect a criminal,” I said.

“They will protect their funding, and they will protect their friends,” Gregory said.

“One phone call from me, and your commission is revoked.”

“You will be dismissed from the Army before the week is out,” he added.

“Conduct unbecoming. Insubordination. Take your pick.”

I felt a cold sweat break out under my collar.

He had the connections to do it, and we both knew it.

But I kept my hand flat over the pocket holding the journal.

“My father died for this,” I said.

“Your father was a weak man who didn’t understand how the world works,” Gregory said.

“He thought his little crusade mattered.”

“It matters to me,” I said.

“Then enjoy being a civilian,” Gregory said.

He reached out his hand again, palm up.

“Give me the journal, and you keep your rank.”