“The Army is conducting its own investigation into Grant’s attempts to use military channels for his fraud,” he said.

“Will it affect my status?” I asked.

“Not at all,” he said, shaking his head. “Your record is immaculate, Tessa. The Secretary has already reviewed the brief. Your command is secure.”

He looked over at Evelyn, who was sleeping under a pink receiving blanket.

“She looks like your mother,” he said softly.

“She does,” I said. “She has her eyes.”

“The court hearing for the final divorce decree and the injunction is scheduled for Friday,” General Vale said. “I will be there in the gallery.”

“I appreciate that, sir,” I said.

“You stood by this country for fifteen years, Colonel,” he said, rising to his feet. “It is time we stood by you.”

He saluted me, a crisp, formal gesture.

I returned it from my hospital bed.

***

On Friday morning, the federal courthouse in Alexandria was cold and smelled of floor wax and old paper.

I wore my Class A green uniform, the brass buttons polished to a high shine.