“They went to the chief counsel of the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

“And to the editorial desk of every major daily in the district.”

The room went entirely silent.

The only sound was the low hum of the fluorescent lights overhead.

Cross’s face lost its color.

She reached into her uniform pocket and pulled out her secure mobile device.

“That is classified material,” Albright said, his voice flat.

“It was classified to hide a felony, General,” I said.

“My father taught me the difference between a state secret and a cover-up.”

“You of all people should remember his standards.”

Albright looked down at his polished shoes, his lips pressed into a thin line.

He did not speak.

Merritt’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

The young captain pulled it out, read the screen, and leaned close to Albright.

“Sir,” Merritt whispered.

“It is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.”

“He is on the secure line.”

Albright took the phone from Merritt’s hand.

“Albright here,” he said.

He listened for ten seconds, his face hardening into granite.

“Yes, sir,” Albright said.

“I am in the basement archive office now.”