His eyes darted to the military police officers whose hands rested near their utility belts.

“What is going on here?” Grant demanded, trying to sound authoritative but failing. “Tessa, tell these people to leave. We are going home.”

“Mr. Holloway,” General Vale said, his voice cold and level. “You are currently on a military installation. You will lower your voice.”

Grant looked from the General to me, his confusion turning to anger. “Who are you? Why are you calling her Colonel?”

Brielle stared at me, her mouth slightly open.

“Colonel Tessa Langley is an active-duty officer in the United States Army,” General Vale said.

The silence in the room was absolute, save for the rhythmic beep of my heart monitor.

“Colonel?” Grant whispered, taking a step back. “She’s a… she works in logistics. She’s a civilian consultant.”

“I kept my rank private to keep my career separate from our marriage, Grant,” I said, my voice shaking but clear. “And to keep my family’s estate safe from people like you.”

Grant sneered, though his hands were visibly trembling. “What estate? Your grandmother’s old house? We’re broke, Tessa. I’ve seen your bank accounts.”