government phone. And make sure every item on him is inventoried in the presence of two witnesses.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The officer left, and for a moment the office became very still.
Outside the window, morning light stretched across the parade field. Soldiers moved in clean lines, boots striking pavement, voices carrying in disciplined bursts. Everything beyond the glass was order. Everything on my desk was rot.
Colonel Alvarez stepped closer but did not crowd me. “Ma’am, do you need a few minutes?”
“No,” I said.
My voice surprised me. It was calm. Almost too calm.
I looked down at the final page my attorney had sent.
