It was General Vance’s personal command seal, marking an unannounced inspection mission.

He’d been following my route through the regional hubs all morning to make sure we arrived at the destination together.

Evan stayed completely oblivious to the four stars hovering eight inches over his head.

He leaned back across my side of the armrest, reaching his thumb toward my right collar.

“Let’s see if this brass leaf is even pinned on straight,” Evan said, his voice dripping with fake concern.

Before his fingers could touch the dark green wool of my sleeve, a big, heavy hand clamped down on Evan’s right shoulder from behind.