He brought him over to the folding chairs, stuck the portable microphone right in his face and told him to repeat what he’d written on his Career Day form.”

Kenneth shifted his grip on Tank’s short leather lead.

“What did Wyler say over the PA, Valerie?”

“He told the entire sixth grade that Matty lied about his mother’s rank,” Valerie said.

“He announced it over the speakers, Sarah.

The kids in the bleachers started laughing and yelling at him.”

I reached down and touched the cold brass buckle of my service belt, feeling the raised anchor under my thumb.

“Where’s Wyler right now?” I asked.