“It belongs to the estate,” I said. “And the papers inside belong to the court.”

Michael looked from the key to Helen.

“Mother?” Michael asked. “What is that key?”

“It is nothing, Michael,” Helen said quickly. “Your sister is simply trying to ruin your evening. She has always been jealous of your achievements.”

“I am not talking to Michael,” I said. “I am talking to you. Hand over the authorization code for the Richmond vault. Now.”

A few nearby officers paused, turning their heads toward us.

The tension was a physical weight in the warm air of the ballroom.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Helen said, her voice rising slightly.

“Captain Hayes,” I said without looking back. “Tell her what the Pentagon records show.”

Hayes stepped forward, his posture rigid.

“The operations in the Sulu Sea,” Hayes said, his voice carrying clearly over the chatter of the room. “The ones Michael was cited for. The intelligence reports were filed under Lieutenant Colonel Rogers’ command. Not Michael’s.”

Michael froze.

The color drained from his face.

“What?” Michael whispered.