Beside her stood Michael.

His Navy dress whites were immaculate, but his collar looked too tight.

He was staring at the floor, adjusting his cuffs over and over.

“Emerson,” Hayes murmured. “Keep your head.”

“I always do,” I said.

I walked straight toward her.

The crowd parted slightly as they noticed General Drummond and Captain Hayes walking behind me.

Helen saw me approach.

The laughter died on her lips, her glass freezing mid-air.

“Emerson,” she said, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper. “What is the meaning of this? You look disheveled.”

“We need to talk, Mother,” I said.

My voice was flat, devoid of any heat.

“This is not the time or the place,” she said, looking around at the nearby officers. “Michael is about to receive the Distinguished Service Medal.”

“He is,” I said. “But first, you are going to hand over Grandmother’s estate documents.”

Michael looked up, his brow furrowing.

“What are you talking about, Emerson?” Michael asked. “Grandmother’s estate was settled last year. The Richmond property went to the trust.”