Major Harris was sitting at his desk, reviewing a stack of transfer orders.

I knocked on the open door frame.

“Enter,” he said, looking up.

I stepped inside and stood at attention.

“Sir, I need to request emergency leave,” I said.

Harris leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied my face.

“Is everything alright, Captain Calder?” he asked.

“A family emergency, sir,” I said. “Regarding my late father’s estate. It requires my immediate presence.”

“How long do you need?” he asked.

“Five days, sir,” I said. “I can have my lieutenant cover my duties while I am away.”

Harris looked at me for a long moment, then reached for his pen.

“Your record is spotless, Calder,” he said, pulling up a digital form on his screen. “Sign the request on your portal. I will approve it within the hour.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said.

I saluted, turned on my heel, and walked back to my office.

My heart was hammering against my ribs as I opened my laptop.

I booked the first available flight from El Paso to Albuquerque.