“Your father was moved to a private facility to cut him off from his command,” Hayes added.

“And to cut Emerson out of the family estate,” I said.

Helen took a step back, her heels clicking on the linoleum.

“This is a family matter,” Helen said, her voice rising. “It has nothing to do with the Marine Corps.”

“It becomes a military matter when you use military assets to commit fraud, Mrs. Rogers,” General Drummond said.

He turned to the shore patrol officers.

“Detail, detain Lieutenant Rogers pending a formal inquiry,” Drummond ordered.

Michael looked at his mother, his face drained of color.

“Mom?” Michael whispered.

Helen did not look at him; her eyes were fixed on me, filled with quiet rage.

The shore patrol officers stepped forward and took Michael by the arms.

They stripped his service belt and led him out of the room.

“We have a gathering to address, Emerson,” General Drummond said.

“Let them see the truth,” Captain Hayes said.

I walked out of the communications room, leaving Helen standing alone in the gray hallway.