“My service record is completely clear,” I said.

“Then it ought to be easy for you to produce the right documentation,” he said, turning his back on me to look over the Coast Guard banner.

I turned toward the side exit, keeping my hands down at my sides.

Valerie Thorne came out from behind the lower wooden bleachers, gripping a silver ballpoint pen tight between both thumbs.

“Sarah, have you got a minute?” she asked in a soft, uncertain voice.

We stepped into the shadow under the folded-back bleacher frame.