Vance opened the door and stepped into the foyer, his eyes scanning the room before locking onto me at the top of the stairs.

“General Mercer,” Vance said, his voice echoing in the high-ceilinged entry. “The perimeter is secure, and the transport is ready.”

Daniel pushed past the second agent at the door, his face twisted in a mix of panic and confusion.

“Rachel!” he yelled, his voice cracking as he stepped into the foyer. “What is this? Why are my cards declined? Why is the house account locked?”

I stood at the top of the landing, looking down at him.

I wore my service dress uniform now, the silver stars on my shoulders catching the hallway light.

Daniel stopped at the foot of the stairs, his eyes fixing on the uniform, then on the medals, then on the rank insignia.

He blinked, his mouth opening slightly as if trying to form words that wouldn’t come.

“Your cards are declined because they do not belong to you,” I said.

“This is my house, Rachel,” he said, though his voice lacked its usual condescending weight. “We signed the papers together.”