Evelyn was sleeping, her tiny chest rising and falling beneath her pink blanket.

The thought of anyone taking her away from me sent a cold chill through my veins.

“I have spent ten years serving this country,” I said, my voice cracking slightly.

“I won’t let him use my service to take my daughter.”

“He won’t, Tessa,” General Vale said, his voice firm and commanding.

“I’ve already contacted the judge advocate general’s office.”

“We are compiling your official service record, including your commendations.”

“But some of those missions are still classified, General,” I reminded him.

“We can’t just hand the files over to a civil court judge.”

“We will submit redacted records with a federal declaration of security,” Vale said.

“I will sign it myself.”

Naomi stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the gray Virginia afternoon.

Rain was beginning to spot the glass, streaking down in thin, dark lines.

“We need more than just your military record, Tessa,” Naomi said, turning back to face us.

“We need to show the judge who Grant Holloway really is.”