Dewitt’s promotion recommendation was folded in there, blank at the top and waiting for a signature I had not been allowed to give for two weeks.

Vance closed the binder and stood.

“Colonel Bruce Harmon, this board finds probable cause for document forgery, false official statements, and misuse of command authority across two decades.

You will be referred for court-martial.”

The side door opened.

Two military police sergeants came in quietly and stopped in front of Harmon’s chair.

Harmon did not move.

He held his arms at his sides and looked at a spot on the wall above the clock while they took the eagles off his shoulders and set them on the table.