“It is a matter of record,” Drummond said.

He turned back to me and offered a crisp salute.

I returned it, my hand snapping to the brim of my cover.

“Dismissed, Colonel,” Drummond said.

The crowd finally began to move, a low buzz of urgent whispering breaking out.

But no one approached Helen.

They moved around her, leaving a wide, empty circle in the middle of the polished floor.

Michael stepped closer to his mother.

“Tell me you didn’t write that letter,” Michael said.

“Michael, don’t be foolish,” Helen snapped, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “I did what was necessary to secure your billet.”

“My billet?” Michael asked.

He looked down at his own chest, at his surface warfare insignia.

“I got the Norfolk slot because of my merit,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

“Of course you did,” Helen said quickly. “But we had to make sure there were no… distractions.”

“Distractions?” Michael repeated.

He looked at me.

I stood there, the Distinguished Service Medal heavy on my chest, its silver surface catching the light of the chandelier.