I watched him from where I stood by the coat rack, my expression neutral.

“You see, Daniel,” I said softly, “the truth has a way of coming out when the stakes get high.”

“Rachel, please,” Daniel said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “We can talk about this. Just tell these men to leave.”

“I am not in a position to dismiss a security detail that was dispatched for my protection,” I said.

Harris looked at Daniel with a look of quiet disdain.

“Mr. Whitmore, you will remain in this room while the General retrieves her personal belongings,” Harris said.

“You can’t keep me in my own living room,” Daniel said, trying to find his anger again.

“If you attempt to interfere with the General’s departure, we will detain you under federal authority,” Harris said.

Daniel swallowed hard, his throat moving convulsively.

He sat down heavily on the small wooden bench near the door, the very bench I had bought at an estate sale three years ago.

I walked past him toward the stairs, my boots making a steady, rhythmic sound.