A red banner flashed across his phone screen.

*Access Denied. Device registered to Department of Defense Asset Management.*

“What the hell is this?” Daniel whispered, his thumb tapping the screen harder.

“Rachel! Unlock the door! Let’s talk about this!”

I did not move.

I looked down at my watch.

The transport from Fort Carson would arrive in exactly nine minutes.

Daniel stepped closer to the window, his palms pressing against the glass again.

“Rachel, please. I made a mistake. Let’s just talk.”

The wind picked up, rustling the dry oak leaves across the wooden deck.

Ava stood behind him, looking small and defeated, her eyes darting around the yard as if looking for an escape.

Daniel swiped through his phone, trying to access our joint bank account app.

I saw his expression change from anger to sheer confusion.

He tapped the screen twice, then stared at the loading icon.

A simple text notification appeared at the top of his screen, sent from his bank.

*Notice: Account access suspended pending administrative review.*

He looked up at me, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open.