“But it won’t stop them from locking down the evidence if they get to the courts first.”

“You need the physical proof of the original whistleblowing report.”

I closed the folder, the heavy paper making a sharp slap in the quiet room.

“My biological father kept records,” I said.

“I know he did,” Avery said softly.

“But Gregory cleared out Daniel’s office the day after the funeral.”

“Not everything,” I said, remembering a conversation from years ago.

“There were letters.”

Avery nodded once, his expression grim.

“Then you had better find them before Gregory’s lawyers find a way to seal your father’s estate.”

I stood up and held the folder against my chest.

“Thank you, General.”

“Don’t thank me yet, Colonel,” he said, walking me to the door.

“The real fight starts when you leave this base.”

I saluted him, and he returned it with a solemn nod.

I stepped out of the administrative building and into the bright, blinding glare of the afternoon sun.

The heat radiated off the asphalt of the parking lot.

Standing near my sedan was a figure in a cream-colored linen suit.