The men didn’t stop him; instead, they parted to let him through, then looked back at Helen.

General Drummond stepped beside me and touched my elbow.

“It’s time to resolve the rest of this, Colonel,” Drummond said.

“Yes, sir,” I said.

The wet fabric of my service dress uniform felt heavy against my shoulders.

We walked toward the exit, passing Helen, who was trying to maintain her composure as people around her began to whisper.

“Emerson,” she said as I drew near.

Her voice was low, laced with venom.

“You have ruined your brother’s career.”

“No, Mother,” I said. “I stopped him from taking credit for mine.”

The two men in suits stepped forward, blocking her path.

“Mrs. Rogers,” the taller of the two said, showing a gold badge. “I am Special Agent Vance, Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”

He did not raise his voice.

“We need you to accompany us to the administrative offices down the hall.”

“This is an outrage,” Helen said, her chin rising. “My husband was a Captain. My son is an officer.”

“Your credentials do not cover the Richmond accounts, ma’am,” Vance said.