“The law has its own process.”

“I am your mother,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“I gave you everything.”

“You gave me a name and then tried to erase me,” I said.

The agent secured her other wrist.

The heavy brass door was pushed open.

Two base security officers in yellow rain slickers stepped inside, their boots dripping water onto the floor.

They took Helen by her elbows.

“This way, ma’am,” the officer on the left said.

They escorted her out into the rain.

The flashing blue and red lights washed over her face as they led her toward the patrol car.

Her hair began to plaster against her forehead in the wet wind.

Michael watched them go, his hand resting on the hilt of his ceremonial sword.

“Emerson,” Michael said, his voice quiet.

“What have you done?”

“I didn’t do anything, Michael,” I said.

“I simply stopped hiding.”

I turned back toward the ballroom.

The crowd of officers parted for me as I walked.

Captain Hayes walked beside me, his shoulder brushing mine.

“You handled that well, Lieutenant Colonel,” Hayes said.

“It’s not over,” I said.