“An honorable discharge with full benefits.”

“And the files stay in my private safe.”

“They won’t agree to that,” I said.

“Albright is too honorable.”

Cole laughed, a short, dry sound.

“Albright is a politician in a uniform,” he said.

“He knows exactly what a scandal like this would do to the procurement budget.”

“He’ll sign the agreement.”

My phone vibrated again in my hand.

I didn’t look down, keeping my eyes locked on Cole.

The air in the room felt thick, almost impossible to breathe.

“You won’t get away with this,” I said.

“I already have,” Cole said.

He checked his watch, a silver chronograph I had bought him for our third anniversary.

“The tribunal meets in twenty minutes.”

“I suggest you leave before Captain Merritt has to explain why you’re in a secure holding area.”

“I’m not leaving without the files,” I said.

Cole stepped closer, until he was only inches away.

I could see the tiny gray flecks in his blue eyes.

“You don’t have a play here, Eleanor,” he whispered.

“Go back to your apartment.”

“Let us finish this.”