We walked toward a set of elevators guarded by two military police officers.

The elevator ride was silent, the indicator lights ticking upward slowly.

When the doors opened, we were in a secured corridor on the third floor.

The walls were lined with dark wood paneling, and the carpet was a deep navy blue.

Merritt led me to a set of double doors guarded by another pair of officers.

“They are waiting for you inside,” he said.

He pushed the door open.

The room was a small, high-ceilinged committee chamber.

A long mahogany table sat in the center, surrounded by leather chairs.

General Marcus Albright sat at the far end of the table, his dress uniform immaculate.

Several staff members in dark suits were whispering in the corner.

“Eleanor,” General Albright said, standing up.

He walked over to me, his hand extended.

His grip was firm and dry.

“Thank you for coming,” he said.

“I brought what you asked for,” I said.

I opened my purse and pulled out the small, silver flash drive.

“The ledger from the Maryland vault is on this drive,” I said.